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“You cannot have the treasure unless you buy the whole field.”

A thought by Jentezen Franklin from his book, Love Like You've Never Been Hurt: Hope, Healing and the Power of an Open Heart (p. 91). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) 

Right before this thought Jentezen says, “We are not called to be kind only when we experience the blessings of our relationships. God has called us to buy the field. In other words, when life gets tough and the one you love is not in a great place, you need to dig through the rubbish, the broken bottles, the piles of dirt, the manure, the rats and the beat-up, rusty cars that don’t work, because buried in that messy field is a treasure.”

He says, “You find the treasure in relationships when you choose to be kind. When you choose to believe in what is possible, not in your current reality. When you choose to reconcile instead of fight to be right. When you choose not to snap at your husband for no reason. When you choose to stop what you are doing and love on your kids even when you are stressed out about finances. When you choose not to give the driver who cut you off the finger. When you choose to give the waitress an extra tip even though she messed up your order.”

He goes on, “The treasure might appear in the form of a deep and meaningful relationship that you never knew was possible. The treasure might come from developing your character, growing as a person, becoming more and more like Jesus.

“It is time to take up the job of being a treasure hunter instead of a field inspector. Stop focusing on the field or what is wrong with people. Turn your eyes toward the treasure—what God can do in that person or situation.

“People are people and they are going to mess up. Here’s a shocker: You are, too. So stop being mean. Quit being ugly. Be kind. Show grace. Love God and love people, even the ones who deserve and expect it the least.”

So, would you buy the whole field?  Would you ask God's Spirit to move you to be kind and to be a treasure hunter instead of a field inspector?  Would you?


Yes, yes!
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