Why We Love

Friday, November 3
Psalm 119:137-144
2 Samuel 23:18-24:25; John 11:31-44

Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and
courageous! Daniel 10:19

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Almighty God, to you who loves us unconditionally, please
reconcile us to pass on the love in the same manner that your
Son, Jesus, has taught us. When we turn our backs on you, you
are always there to hold us. We pray for your guidance to lead
us to open our hearts to our enemies. In Christ's name. Amen.

Parenting kids with special needs who have mental illnesses, organic brain damage, and attachment issues has taught me a lot about God. Often our kids are unlovable and undeserving and downright mean.

But the bottom line with God's love is that God loved us first. He didn't say we had to earn it, nor that we deserved it. We love Him simply because, regardless of who we were or who we are, He CHOSE to love us first. It is an unconditional love that can't be stopped nor changed.

That is the kind of love that we need to have for others -- loving them first, in Jesus name. And if we do so then maybe, they will love us in return, and eventually learn to love God as well.