Great Love

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1a

“You know, it’s all about love.” A simple statement uttered by a simple man, my dad, as he lay languishing on his deathbed. After all his years of working, serving and living, he had discovered the importance of life.

How different that perspective is from so many others who strive for success in careers, accumulation of wealth or personal happiness. What would my life be like if I only desired to show love? Love God; love others. 

For such a simple concept, it is hard to carry out. My knee-jerk reaction when I am wronged or hurt is to lash out or become defensive. I aspire to respond like my friend, Janet.

The car behind Janet evidently thought she was driving too slowly. As the car of teens sped past her, they displayed the hand signal for contempt. Their gain was quickly lost as the light turned red. Janet eased up beside them. She gave them a sign as well. Janet pointed up (God), crossed her arms over her chest (loves), and then pointed to the boys (you). She rolled the window down, motioning for them to do the same. Janet had a short conversation with them about what their parents and God desired for them. Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs (Proverbs 10:12).

God, change my heart so I will respond with love!

As the Christmas season approaches, I am reminded of the greatest love of all time-- the love of a Father for his children. The reason we celebrate Christmas is that God sent his son, Jesus, into the world as a baby, notto condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17). God loves us that much! If you don’t know him, today is the perfect time to get acquainted. Whoever believes in [Jesus] shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

You know, it’s all about love!

Terri