Can you say it?

“PC”, Pastor Chris, said it today.

After sharing his conversion story and another about his first awkward attempt at evangelism as a high school kid in Ruston, LA, he talked about life with Jesus now at 62: husband, grandfather of twelve (with another on the way).

He covered what most sermons cover. Three points. A college football reference. A self-deprecating story about failing Speech Communications at LSU.

Somewhere in there, almost casually, he mentioned that 4,992 people have come to faith through the church since January 1.

And then he said it. Not as an aside, but plainly:

“I’m 62 years old, and I’ve never been more in love with Jesus than I am today.”

I don’t know PC, but I don’t think he was just preaching. I leaned over and nudged Kristy. She’s 62, too. She knows Ruston, LA. Grandchild on the way.

We prayed. We sang. A few people raised their hands. Then three kids were baptized, and the place went wild.

Out in the lobby, Kristy struck up a conversation with a woman who was clearly anxiety-filled. A few minutes later, they were sharing coffee, and Kristy was walking her back into the auditorium.

And I found myself wondering:

Can I say it?

Can you?

You and I, we’ve stood on mountaintops, cheered at baptisms, and walked through valley after valley of the shadow of death.

A few years ago, I entered the deepest darkest valley of my life.

It was there I learned that the words ‘end’ and ‘friend’ should never rhyme.

In those days, I couldn’t have said I was more in love with Jesus than ever before.

Not even close.

James Baldwin writes, “I do not mean to be sentimental about suffering...but people who cannot suffer can never grow up, can never discover who they are.”

A new friend of mine, Hannah, says it this way: “Healing is a willing rebellion against the powers of darkness… It is a discipline of love. And it is one of our holiest and most tender callings, as we abide in the tension of the meantime.”

I like PC. And I believe him when he says he’s never been more in love with Jesus than he is today.

I’m not one to correct a preacher, but if I were preaching today, I might say this:

“I’m 57 years old, and Jesus has never been more in love with me than He is today. And because of His tenderness, I am more in love with Him today than ever before.”

Because in the end, love is not proven by what we declare, but by what we dare to receive.

Come and See!