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Apr 01, 2025 06:00am

A Love Beyond Fear

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“On January 8, 1956, while attempting to make contact with the people of the Auca/Waodani tribe in the Ecuadorian jungle, Jim Elliot and four other missionaries were speared to death; slain by those they came to minister to.”

Are you familiar with the story of Jim Elliot? He and his wife, Elizabeth, were missionaries, devoted to sharing the gospel with the world. How would you have reacted to this horrific incident?

After her husband was killed, Elizabeth and her young daughter moved into the village to live among the very people who had taken his life.

Why?

How?

There is only one explanation.

Only one way this could have ever been possible.

Love.

Not the superficial, hypocritical type of “love” we hear and see being thrown around.

No.

This was far different. This was a love that was real, forgiving, understanding, sacrificial, and hopeful. It wasn’t foolish, as some claimed. It was simply the love that is only possible through Jesus Christ. And it was their mission to share that with the world.

Romans 12:9
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.”

Paul continued to instruct the believers in Rome on how followers of Christ are to live their lives. We are to be a reflection of Christ. The real Jesus. The One who gave up His place in Heaven to come to earth as a lowly servant. The One who sat with sinners and outcasts to offer hope. The One who offered freedom to the captives, forgiveness to murderers and adulterers, and help to the weak and hopeless.

Paul urged these men and women of the church to show real love to people, not something superficial. No more, “Hey, how are you?” and then cringing when they open up about their troubles. He encouraged them to a deeper love that moved past formalities and politeness. One that carried over from the street to their homes. One that welcomed all to come and dine at their table, offering hope, healing, and the truth of Jesus Christ—no matter the color of their skin, the clothes they wore, the language they spoke, or their standing within the community.

And this is exactly why Elizabeth Elliot could move herself and her young daughter into this village of people that had taken her husband’s life. She knew they needed to know about Jesus. She didn’t let fear overwhelm her. Because of her willingness and dedication to showing them the truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ was brought to the village, and many came to know Him as their Savior.

Show love. Hate evil. Cling to what is good. This is not foolish; this is the way of the Lord.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Jim Elliot penned these famous words in a journal in October of 1949.

Mr. Elliot knew the truth about Jesus. And he was willing to go to the ends of the earth to share the love that Christ offers, no matter the cost. And his wife picked up and carried the torch when his race had come to an end.

Are we willing to do the same?

Christ calls us to a different kind of love. Are we willing to live it out in our homes, in our churches, and in our communities? Will we show the same kind of love to all people as Jesus did? Are our hearts burdened for the lost like the Elliots?

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

Let me show you the love Christ offers and how to live it out daily. Go to follow.lifeword.org.

Excerpt from https://elisabethelliot.org/about/jim-elliot/