The musical, Les Misérables, is enjoying yet another surge in popularity due to the newest movie release. This inspirational story vividly illustrates the power of selfless and transformational love.
I certainly am no student of author Victor Hugo’s life, but my understanding is that he rejected ‘religion’ while maintaining his faith in God and prayer. Some who read this would find it shocking to know that Jesus Christ held a similar view, at least in terms of how ‘religion’ was portrayed by the religious leaders of His time on earth. Others will recognize that Christianity is not at all a ‘religion,’ but an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ, filled with real power for living a victorious life despite the surrounding circumstances, whether that be cancer, divorce, unreturned love, or any other heartache.
While missing the real power that Jesus brings to life (and beyond), Hugo, perhaps quite unintentionally, penned one of the most enduring “Christian”-themed novels of the last two centuries. It speaks of selfless and transformational love, of enduring hope amidst severe trial and persecution. Consider this famous quote from the novel:
“To love another person is to see the face of God.”
What does this mean to you? Do you agree? It spurs me to reflect on how our Creator made us in His own image, so when we truly love another person, we see the God who created them and is Himself the essence of love. It moves me to contemplate what meaning and focus real love has in my life and what price I am willing to pay to protect and nurture it. Jesus said we would all give it all up for someone we love, but do we see God in the faces of those who seem ‘unlovable’? What are we willing to give up for them?
And if we reversed this quote, would it also be true? “To see the face of God is to love another person.” A book that impacted my life a number of years ago is Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan. (Just google this to get a free paperback copy or to get a free download. It will likely revolutionize how you view the rest of the world and the role of missions.) One passage in particular grabbed me when describing a young missionary in India who was beat up and thrown out of town after trying to share Jesus with the local villagers. Badly injured and laying on the road, he asked God to give him the ability to love those who hurt him so that he could go back and love them with the power of Jesus. He then described, ‘It was as if God took the eyes out of my sockets and gave me the eyes of Jesus so I could truly see others through His eyes.'(paraphrased)
We certainly don’t have this all figured out. Each day brings its own struggle with selfish ambitions. But it remains our vision and passion, to see others through the eyes of Jesus. It is our hope that God will lead you to see Him through loving others, and to see others through loving Him.
“May the Lord make your love increase
and overflow for each other
and for everyone else.”
1 Thessalonians 3:12a
Hi Marcia and Bryan. Your blog is so inspirational and informative. Continue to let your love shine each day! I pray for positive reports following this second round of chem. We are staying away because you do not need exposure to others. Steve and I send our love and good wishes. Know we are thinking of you often.
Bruce & Sue gave us tickets to see Les Miserables years ago and the story still touches my heart. How great our God is to use so many different ways to help us become aware.