I sat and looked deep into her eyes. She was being vulnerable about her confusion of heart.

She was still young but in some ways her wisdom was enough to convict and grieve my own heart.

Our sin was no different than hers.

She shared a hurt heart on how “the church” had treated her. Their words were callous and without compassion. They labeled her and called her names to call out her sin.

She wanted to know truth but she needed someone who would lovingly help her to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit began whispering to me, guiding my heart thru the scriptures. Some I would naturally choose He whispered me not to say.

I was learning so much in that very moment at the greatness of His gentleness.

She had no more trust for people who seemingly spoke on behalf of Christ. I was desperately trying to navigate through her brokenness. Seeing clearly we were to blame for her withdrawal from the gospel.

She was utterly confused. She felt like an outcast. We had mauled her thoroughly.

I saw the scars. The now necessary “undoing” causing me to need the Holy Spirit to help me. I had to rebuild trust. I wasn’t sure I could.

“Jesus, help me,” I said in my heart.

4 hours later….we left.

She’s deeply embedded in my heart. I pray often that one day she might fully see He can be trusted with it all.

Today I see differently. I see the pain first….the sin second. Otherwise, I can misuse the word and wound terribly one trying to get to Christ.

I’m learning more and more love really is the way. Love doesn’t ignore the sin but it does know how to trust the Holy Spirit to uproot the sin while healing the pain.

Behind every heart is a story. Many full of a million broken pieces. It’s with this in mind that I continue to look into the most desperate and longing eyes with a tuned ear to the God of grace who knows how best to reach the one He is drawing to Himself.