Radical Love – Loving Boldly When It Feels Safer to Hold Back

Loving others the way Jesus calls us to is rarely comfortable. It requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to step outside of what feels safe. But what if the love we hesitate to give is exactly what someone else is longing for?

Moving to a new country came with its fair share of challenges, and one of the biggest was building a community. At first, I let discouraging thoughts take over: I have no friends here. No one wants to be my friend. I fell into a victim mindset without actually doing anything to change my situation.

Then I read Find Your People by Jennie Allen, and it felt like God was speaking directly to me through those pages. I realized there was so much I could do—so much I wasn’t doing—to cultivate friendships.

So, a year ago, I decided to start hosting tea parties for women in my home. But the doubts quickly crept in. What if no one shows up? What if no one likes it? Despite my insecurities, I chose to move forward.

Radical Love Starts with a Simple Yes

I poured my heart into the first gathering—planning a craft, baking pastries, and decorating with flowers hanging from the ceiling. I wanted every detail to reflect love and care. I invited women I had met at church, in my neighborhood, and later, from unexpected places—conferences, work meetings, social events, even the airport. Each invitation made me nervous. The fear of rejection was real. But I chose to be bold and extend the invitation anyway.

Not everyone responded. Some people ignored the invite. Others said yes and never showed up. But I clung to Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

God kept bringing me back to that promise, reminding me to keep going—not just for my sake, but for the sake of the women who needed this space as much as I did.

Now, a year later, I’m in awe of the deep connections and sweet moments that have come from these gatherings. The women who attend tell me how much they look forward to them, how loved and seen they feel. What started as my way of filling a personal void became a source of belonging for so many others—a reflection of the Radical Love God invites us to embody.

Loving Radically Leads to Community

It would have been safer to stay in isolation, to wait and hope for friendships to form on their own. It would have been easier to avoid the discomfort of inviting strangers who might say no. But I chose to be bold. To say yes to the calling God placed on my heart, no matter how vulnerable it felt. To love these women, even when it felt safer to hold back. To live out the Radical Love that God was inviting me into.

And that’s the beauty of it, loving this way doesn’t just change our own lives—it transforms the lives of those around us. When we step out in faith and love boldly, we create spaces where others can grow, heal, and belong. Where is God calling you to love boldly? Who in your life needs an invitation, a word of encouragement, or simply your presence? Don’t let fear keep you from giving the love someone else is longing to receive.

This is the heart of Radical Mentoring for Women—helping women live out Radical Love by investing in the next generation through intentional mentoring. Real transformation happens when women step boldly into relationships, sharing their lives and faith with others. If you’re ready to take that step, let’s walk this journey together. How is God calling you to love radically today?