I needed this. I recently paid for my son and his wife's plane tickets and stay for a Colorado vacation. When my son's instagram post did not include me but included his in laws, my feelings were hurt. So petty I know, but honestly I was hurt. No strings can only be possible when I am grounded and rooted in my own identity of being His Beloved. Your post makes me draw nearer to the One who calls me beloved.
One thing I sincerely appreciate about your writing is that you call out the ways you are least like Jesus in a highly relatable way to invite self-reflection. This requires great humility and self-awareness, and it makes your writing worth the time to read.
I’ve been invited to love a neighbor who leaves really awful notes on my front porch. And every time I think about how to love her, I cannot imagine how to do it without strings. So, thank you for the continued nudge to pay attention to the invitations even when they seem impossible. I appreciate your candor and willingness to admit your struggles.
There is no 'quid pro quo' for what Jesus does. There are no ulterior motives. There is no 'well now I need to...' His expressed love-in-action just IS; & all the while the Holy Spirit is at work in us, working on our hearts, leading us to a response - not a reciprocation - but a response that isn't mandated but feels appropriate. Like an "I love you too."
Well said. I have plenty of room to grow in this area. When I give (without strings), I frequently feel like people use the gift foolishly. I probably look like Gollum squealing about cooked rabbits.
Fantastic post. I look forward to more!
I needed this. I recently paid for my son and his wife's plane tickets and stay for a Colorado vacation. When my son's instagram post did not include me but included his in laws, my feelings were hurt. So petty I know, but honestly I was hurt. No strings can only be possible when I am grounded and rooted in my own identity of being His Beloved. Your post makes me draw nearer to the One who calls me beloved.
What transparency. Thank you for giving us this gift.
Thanks AJ! You’re so quotable.
That is the first time I've been called that. And I like it :)
One thing I sincerely appreciate about your writing is that you call out the ways you are least like Jesus in a highly relatable way to invite self-reflection. This requires great humility and self-awareness, and it makes your writing worth the time to read.
Thank you!
Never disappoints🙏🏼
Love this, A.J.! So happy I found your Substack.
Yes! And I'm happy you found it :)
Love without strings…hard but so needed in our world today. Thank you AJ for the insight, your openness and transparency, and call to live like Jesus!
I’ve been invited to love a neighbor who leaves really awful notes on my front porch. And every time I think about how to love her, I cannot imagine how to do it without strings. So, thank you for the continued nudge to pay attention to the invitations even when they seem impossible. I appreciate your candor and willingness to admit your struggles.
Love this! Thank you for being equally transparent.
There is no 'quid pro quo' for what Jesus does. There are no ulterior motives. There is no 'well now I need to...' His expressed love-in-action just IS; & all the while the Holy Spirit is at work in us, working on our hearts, leading us to a response - not a reciprocation - but a response that isn't mandated but feels appropriate. Like an "I love you too."
Love this!!
Well said. I have plenty of room to grow in this area. When I give (without strings), I frequently feel like people use the gift foolishly. I probably look like Gollum squealing about cooked rabbits.