Sometimes, I think we trivialize God’s love. We read verses like John 3:16 and find the promise of His love, but often we fail to internalize it. For those like me who have grown up in the church, God’s love for His people is a known reality. We sang songs like “Jesus Loves me” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday school without even thinking about the words— a routine on autopilot. The same goes for adults in Sunday morning worship. We sing songs about His love and mercy and hear the same from the pastor in Scripture and sermon, but do we really give Him the honor and glory He deserves?
I began to process these concepts as I left church this past week. The pastor had asked us to complete this statement: I know God is love because… I have to admit that I choked up when I considered this statement. It isn’t very often that I stop to think of His love for me. Deep down, I know His love is real and that I am His child, but many times I find myself asking “why?”
Well, if you think about it, John 3:16 answers that questions pretty well: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God loved and continues to love us so much that even before we were born, He sent His son to die for us in our place for the sins we commit every day. Here’s the thing: despite our sinfulness and the messiness of our lives, He continues to reach out His arms to us in forgiveness. His mercy and compassion don’t always make sense, but Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us: “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
He is faithful in all things, and it is in His faithfulness that He has show His love for me in a tangible way. Just this past week, I took notice of His love and faithfulness, and it was in the little things where I saw Him working His best for me.
On Sunday, I saw His love and compassion embodied in my father as he drove five hours round-trip so I could be ready for my Monday appointment at Mayo.
On Monday, I was blessed with His provision in having a promising report from the doctor.
On Tuesday, I also witnessed His provision as I sat through a mandatory meeting with the managers and owners of my apartment building. I was nervous, but God showed me that He was bigger than my circumstances.
On Wednesday, I was reminded of the blessing I have in serving alongside my co-workers. It was in having an attitude of gratitude where I found the greatest joy and productivity.
On Thursday, I witnessed His love in the residents at a local nursing home. I sang and played for everyone, and their joy was contagious as we talked and interacted afterward. I saw God’s love through their eyes, and later in the day, I was able to have a long-overdue conversation with a dear friend. I began to comprehend the beauty of answered prayer, even though the journey to restoration has been long and laborious.
On Friday, He showed His love to me in that I was able to remain productive in my work. He knew I was busy, and He blessed me with limited distractions and a positive attitude.
And on Saturday, I witnessed love in the life of a dear friend as she was united in marriage to her husband. I was reminded of the purpose of marriage and how it reflects the love Christ has for His people, the Church.
In the coming days and weeks, I pray I can love His people in the reflection of the love that He has shown toward me. I may not be married, but I pray I can use my singleness to better love and serve those He sends my way. May I love God fully, bask in His everlasting love for me, and then seek to share that love with others out of the overflow of His faithfulness.
cassiecontemplates 