In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
1 John 4:9 (ESV)
Lord God, in my life I have been privileged to have so many who love me. I wish I could say that I have always been lovable. I have not. Yes, I try to be good to folks, treat folks right, be there for them. Yet, unfortunately there are times when “that” side of me shows up that is impatient, irritable, short tempered, stubborn, and just plain a nuisance. Most of the time I can squelch that person. However, those traits sometimes just seep out my pours and then all of sudden, “BAM!” they show up. And despite that, there are family, friends and loved ones who love me in spite of it. How blessed I am!
Yet, all this kind of “in spite of me” love that I experience from others does not compare to the love I experience from You. Whereas others get the brunt of my outbursts of “messed up-edness” You see the sinful, broken person behind the behavior, below the surface. You see my rebellion, my selfishness, my twisted thoughts, and how I even fall short of Your expectations when I try to do my best. You see me. The real me. And the offenses that I commit against You do not compare to the offenses I commit towards those I am in relationship with. And yet You still love me in spite of it. How do I know? Because You showed it to me by sending Your one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the price for my sins by dying for me. How I am blessed a quadrillion times over!
This morning I want to just say thank You for this love that I did not, do not, and will not deserve. Thank You seeing in me someone worth salvaging, someone who is dear to You, someone You want to spend eternity with. Thank You for not leaving me to wallow in my sins trying to figure it out but instead sending a Mediator in Christ Who not only speaks on my behalf, but also provides guidance and direction to me through the Holy Spirit that I might be able to someone capable of loving and being loved in this world.
Lord, today it is my prayer that You would continue to encourage me with the fact that the great work You have begun in me You will bring to completion (Philippians 1:6) so that I can, in a loving way, walk in boldness and love others even as You have loved me. Continue to remind me of the richness of Your love towards me, which is Christ in me, the hope of glory with You (Colossians 1:27). And with this mindset, humbly give my life for others, transparently owning my brokenness and accepting theirs, knowing that Jesus paid for it all.
How glorious it is that You loved me, us, so much that You sent Jesus! Please help me to walk in that love, manifesting it in this world towards all who come into contact with me. In Jesus’ Name and for His glory I pray, amen.