Dear SCC & Friends,
He first loved us… ~1 John 4:19
Reflection #203
When our children were young, I made the rounds each night tucking them in. Sometimes I would read to them or tell a “war story,” and loved to see their eyes light up when I told them how I got into trouble as a kid. One of our meaningful interactions became routine… “Why do I love you so much?” They’d roll their eyes because they already knew the answer… “The reason you love us is because you just do!” “Wait, even when you’re bad?” “Yes.” “Hold on, even when I’m upset with you?” “Yes.” “You’re telling me I love you all the time, no matter what?” “That’s right.” Those were special times of praying… first them and then me… “Love you… Sleep tight.” Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not. ~C.S. Lewis~ God is love and will never leave or forsake us. His love for us is unconditional, and our love for Him is manifested in obedience. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. ~Jn. 14:15
The commandments of the Lord are for our own good. …The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. ~Ps. 19:8b It would be a different world if everyone kept His commandments… “You shall not steal…” Wouldn’t it be amazing, even life changing, if there was no stealing, no need for alarms or locks, no cheating, no security systems or passwords? … “You shall not kill (murder)…” No homicide victims, no mass shootings or violence at home or in the streets… “You shall not bear false witness…” no perjury, no lies, gossip or slander… The Lord is good, but we are not… But there is an answer… For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. ~Jn. 1:17 Why does He love us? He just does! For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. ~Jn. 3:16 That’s good news! Keep up the good work!
Made for these days,
Kevin