Ridgell's Originals

 My friend Gary recently came back to the Lord and we have shared some of his questions and observations.  He is serious about following Jesus and the other day he asked another question.  

Why are we so afraid to admit -- and say -- that we love Jesus?  I've thought quite a bit about that as we work thru this question.  And I realize that lots of Christians do not talk about loving Jesus.  It is hard for many to even talk about Jesus at all, much less talk about loving him.  We sing it much more than we say it.

So are we afraid?  Here are a few reasons that I think most Christians don't talk about loving Jesus in their every day conversations.  Maybe not fear, but things that make it hard to say.

We do not see it modeled enough to be a regular practice for Christians.  We talk lots about loving Jesus, especially in worship and Bible class.  But I just don't hear it said.

Some people think their religion -- their relationship with Jesus -- is a very private matter.  You just don't talk about it.

Many Christians are not comfortable with emotional Christianity.  So they are not expressive about worship.  They don't cry.  They do not get excited.  Perhaps that is the religious environment they grew up in.  Old habits die hard.  Some are even suspicious and skeptical of those who are more expressive.  

And if you do say to people that you love Jesus, someone may ask why.  Then you have to talk about your faith.

So Gary and I -- and a few others -- are working on learning to talk about how much we love Jesus.  And why we love Jesus.  

So thanks Gary for helping me think about something I hadn't even considered.

And Jesus -- I do love you.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM