Tattoo

Pen to Paper | June 6, 2011 12:01 am

By Naftaly C. Sitompul, Indonesia

One night, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was overwhelmed by God’s blessings in my life. Everything seemed to fall in place at the right time, in the right place, with the right people. God has blessed me with a good job, a loving family, a great relationship, and awesome friends. I have everything I need. My life is really fulfilling.

As I thanked the Lord for His abundant blessings, I thought of ways to show Him how much He means to me. An idea struck! I will get the word “Jesus” tattooed somewhere on my body, like on my arm, for all to see. It will be a visible sign to remind others and myself that I’ve got Jesus in my life. And it is my expression of showing Him how much I love Him. For a moment, the idea sounded brilliant!

As I considered this possibility, I was reminded of an event in the Bible about Peter.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time.
He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
—John 21: 15-17

Peter was bold, yet later he would deny knowing the Savior. Jesus is not looking for bold declaration of love. He is looking for people who would love Him by loving those He loves.

In Acts, we see that Peter finally understood what Jesus desires. He understood the essence of loving; he got the name of “Jesus” tattooed in his heart. He proclaims boldly the good news of salvation and builds up the body of Christ.

I came to realize there is a better way to love the Lord than bragging about it.

“For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25: 35-36).

We show our love for God best by loving people.

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By Naftaly C. Sitompul, Indonesia One night, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was overwhelmed by God’s blessings in my life. Everything seemed to fall in place at the right time, in the right place, with the right people. God has blessed me with a good job, a loving family, a great [...]

Published on June 6, 2011 12:01 am