I had a sabbatical in 2020 and I asked this older guy to coach me. I’d never met him, but I liked what I heard about him. I also liked that he had nothing to gain from our relationship. We weren’t working on any projects together and our ministry areas didn’t really overlap.

He lived about a 12 hour drive from me. We did video calls once a week for the 3 months. (It was COVID.) But most of the benefit came in our first call, in the first thing he really said to me…..

He asked some questions, listened to me for a while and then said, “Your problem is not faith; you’ve got lots of that. Your problem is you’ve got to let the love out. It’s in there, but you’ve got to let it out.”

There hasn’t been a day since when that hasn’t been helpful. Such a great perspective. The love of God is in my heart, but I hold back. Just let it out. Don’t need to work it up, work on it or work it out. Just let it happen.

I often find myself holding back. I don’t trust them. I got hurt before. I don’t feel like it. I don’t have the energy. I could get disappointed. They don’t deserve it. I didn’t even notice them. I’m just getting stuff done.

Or, on the flip side, I do love them and won’t show it. I can’t hug them, that’s inappropriate. I can’t say I love them, that’s weird. I can’t sing for joy in public. I can’t compliment them that grandly. I can’t say how much they really mean to me, we barely know each other. I should stop weeping, it’s not that big a deal.

So many reasons to hold back. Yet, when I let it out, I feel God’s joy. You’re like a son to me, I love you so much. You’re my best friend. I was really touched when you called me, it meant a lot to me. I missed you so much I thought I would go crazy. You are so beautiful. I don’t understand why I have so much affection for you. You are very special to me.

The love of God is in us through his Holy Spirit in our hearts. It’s meant to be let out. Let’s not hold back.