Clarence the Angel and George Bailey recover after George’s suicide attempt in It’s A Wonderful Life
The Wizard of Oz told Dorothy, “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.” Clarence the Angel told George Bailey, “Remember George, no man is a failure who has friends.”
My Darling Child,
This is a terrible lie, and yet the world around us exalts it as a Gospel truth. Nevertheless, some of the greatest and most self-sacrificing heroes and heroines of history have loved deeply, served others, yet were hated by all those around them.
Consider Jesus Christ, who devoted his life to ministering to others, yet He was imprisoned, tortured, mocked, and crucified alongside criminals.
Consider Martin Luther King Jr., whose belief that people should “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” got him assassinated.
Consider the “nerdy” or “weird” girl who is snubbed by her peers because she doesn’t wear the provocative clothes that they do and aspires to remain a virgin until she’s married.
Never, ever, EVER measure your value – or the value of anyone else – by how much they are loved. Never judge anyone because they’re not popular, or because others shun them. Sometimes the best, bravest, and most shining spirits among us are those who do not bow to the fancy and folly of friends, but stand up courageously for what is good and right, even if they are persecuted for it.
Sometimes the poor, sick, abused, and needy are not shunned because they’re unworthy of love, but because no one around them wants to be burdened by their pain.
Always remember, My Darling Child, to seek out those who are shunned, unpopular, or persecuted either for doing what is right or because they are suffering. Human beings may tend to judge others by how much they are loved, but God sees the heart! Be God-like in your affection.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”
1 Samuel 16:7
“’Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’”
Matthew 5:3-12
My Darling Child, do not be sad when they are cruel to you; when people avoid you, lie about you, mock you, and don’t understand you.
God does not judge your heart by how much you are loved by people; but by how much you are loved by His Son.
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, loved you so very much that He died on the cross so that you could live with Him forever. Shine that love to others. Never let it flicker, even if others are offended by its purity and brightness.
My Darling Child 