Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Only Thing That Counts
T
by Chuck Cleveland
he Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5, “The only thing
Shortly thereafter, I spoke with Craig by telephone,
that counts is faith expressing itself through love,”
telling him that if he needed a friend with whom to talk, I
and I concluded God wanted me to trust Him in all
would listen. With much gratitude, he accepted the offer.
areas of my life and to demonstrate His love to all those with whom He gives me a relationship. I wondered, however, what would constitute such
Though hundreds of miles apart, we began an exchange about why he had the affair, how his marriage could be restored, and how he could be forgiven by God. It took
a demonstration, and so I began to ask people, “When
a lot of calls and correspondence (as well as him reading
someone was a special friend to you, what exactly did
the Bible I sent), but Craig eventually became a Christian.
that person do on your behalf?” Almost invariably, those
Furthermore, primarily through guidance provided by
people cited instances when someone came alongside them
another work associate, he was able to save his marriage.
when they were confronted with a sick child, a dying parent, the loss of a job, a broken relationship, or some other calamity. When asked if that friend offered advice on how to resolve the conflict, most said no. In other words, the most meaningful acts of friendship consisted of “being there” for them in their times of turmoil. Does it not logically follow, then, that we who claim we want to love others into the Kingdom would seek opportunities to validate our message by being there for non-believers during their struggles? I think it does, and here is how that worked out with my former work associate Craig (not his
Expressing God’s healing love to those I know has
real name). Shortly before an annual regional meeting, I
become a high priority, and here are three things I try
sensed I was supposed to share my faith with Craig, but
to practice:
there was no opportunity. Several months later, however,
1. Since everyone has a story, I want to listen well.
Craig’s world came apart when his wife discovered the
2. Since everyone has a desire for love and acceptance,
affair he was having and confronted him about it. Craig admitted the extra-marital involvement but
I want to provide them more frequently. 3. Since everyone needs to know of the Father’s
sought to minimize the damage by lying about the woman’s
offer of forgiveness, I want to be a more effective
identity and location, saying she was an office secretary
ambassador of reconciliation.
hundreds of miles away rather than a woman nearby.
How about you?
learned of his double deceit. Worse yet, almost everyone in the organization knew of Craig’s indiscretions.
40 // November 2021
About The Author
Unfortunately for him, Craig’s wife called the secretary and Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA and has written for three area magazines, as well as the local newspaper. He has been a Christian for over 50 years.
