A Lesson of Love

In order to fundraise for my recent mission trip to Guatemala I sold shirts that said “Ama a tu prójimo,” (Love Your Neighbor in English). Little did I know that my concept of the phrase would be completely redefined by the time I got home.

Despite the country’s high poverty levels and stray dogs lining the streets, I was able to witness firsthand how these people have truly mastered selflessly loving their neighbor. I watched as people on the streets put down their own belongs to help others carry theirs. I walked into houses that were composed of only metal sheets resting on each other, yet they told us repeatedly that there was nothing more they could ask for because their hearts were full of love. When they had nothing left to give they filled us up on Pepsi, cookies, and enormous appreciation anyway.

Why is it that a country with such a lack of monetary wealth is overflowing in wealth of love and warmth for each other?

While there, I found that pouring out to others does not drain you, but only fills you up more. The Guatemalans are a living testimony for the way the Lord intended for us to love one another, and their happiness is radiant and abundant. A culture solely dependent on each other is the one that has figured it out the most- love one another as Jesus loved you (John 15:12).

Love is contagious, just look at the Pass It Forward movement. Imagine if we all took a lesson from the Guatemalan culture and truly devoted our lives serving one another. 1 John 4:7 says “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Therefore, the presence of God is active and overflowing in love.

Missions are not always across the world but instead the Lord calls us to live lives glorifying Him right now.

I went to Guatemala to teach English and spread the word of God, but I went home with so much more. Instead of serving them, they taught me how to serve my neighbor and changed the way I go about my life. Love is not only for those close to you, but to be a living testimony for your siblings in Christ. I believe a change in culture starts with one step in the right direction.

So I encourage you to start today by serving those around you, and we will see the power of contagious, selfless love in spreading the Kingdom of God.