The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:8-12
Reflect
The world’s love is conditional. Even the tight bonds of family and friendship can be damaged and shattered by conflict. The breadth of human love, on its own, ebbs and flows with our emotions and experiences. Earthly love, even in its purest form, provides only a glimpse into the love of God.
In times of struggle, we can shake our fists at God. We can direct blame, anger, and even hatred toward Him. We can turn our eyes away from God and find ourselves a million miles from His will. Still, one thing remains unaffected: God’s love. His heart may be broken by our decisions, and He may long to direct us back to the path He made for us, but His love stands strong. Even when we have made certain to completely separate ourselves from Him, God’s heart yearns for us.
When we accept God’s love and allow it to saturate our lives, our capacity and ability to love grows. When we claim His love, we gain a supernatural level ability to care for others. God level love gives a battered heart the courage to forgive. Loving with such truth and intensity pulls us past the world’s influence in our interaction with and compassion for God’s children. Looking upon others with the love of God in your heart shows you a world full of people worthy of abundant adoration and affection. You don’t see wrong. You don’t see any of the labels. You see a dedicated Father wanting nothing more than everlasting, faith-filled, cups overflowing lives for His kids.
Pray
Lord, I know I may have pushed you away in the past, but I am ready for You to restore my heart and give me a supernatural ability to love. As I interact with others today and in the future, help me to see their immense worth. Allow me to be an expression of Your love to everyone I meet. Amen.
Your Turn
Has a friend or stranger ever served as an expression of God’s love in a difficult time?
Do you struggle with loving others beyond their earthly actions?
