It's a common question, especially in our world that seems to be wrought with suffering and injustice. A theologian or philosopher could write volumes on this topic, but I am only a humble missionary and have neither the knowledge nor the understanding to read or write such a treatise. Then again, I do not need it.
I know God loves me because of a jacket.
Today I spotted one of my missionary sisters wearing a colorful zippered jacket - it caught my eye immediately and struck me as something I might have bought for myself and loved to wear. Without really thinking, I teased her, "If you ever want to get rid of that jacket, I'd gladly take it off your hands." She smiled and I noticed a funny look in her eye as she admitted that she had received many compliments on it in the past. She then confessed, "This morning I told God that, if it was time for me to give it away, He should send me someone who wants it. And He sent you."
I was completely taken aback, first just at the idea that such a "coincidence" would occur and then at her overwhelming generosity. She handed it to me, saying, "Wear it with love," and walked off, not even waiting to be thanked. Totally self-effacing - a gift freely given.
This missionary was Christ to me today. Jesus' love was made tangible through her seemingly simple action of giving me the coat off her back. What a beautiful lesson for me to learn, even before I head out to the mission field -- that true love holds nothing back and has no reservations when it comes to giving of oneself. True love does not concern itself with whether or not there will be enough "left over" or with having sufficient provisions for the future. True love just gives.
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