Nothing like it
January 13, 2010 (Wednesday)
Today would have been my maternal grandfather’s birthday. He taught his grandchildren to call him, “Big Dad.” We called our grandmother, “Mama.” My sisters and I lived in their home during much of our growing up. His birthday has caused me to reflect upon his influence upon my life and my growing appreciation for the love that he gave to me until the day he died in 1957.
If you are loved by someone, you have been given a great gift. If you are able to love somebody, you have a great privilege. Love is the greatest thing in the world (1 Corinthians 13).
Most of us need to express our love for others more openly. Instead of just showing we love someone by what we do (which is very important), we need to say it aloud, so that those we love hear us express our love. We also need to treasure every word of love spoken to us. Being loved strengthens us more than we know.
We need to know that God loves us. The sad experiences of life leave us bewildered and confused at times, but let us never doubt the love of God for us all. “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NLB).
We may rest assured that God loves us and wants what is best for us. It’s good to be loved by anyone, but you are loved by the Creator of the Universe, Redeemer of souls, King of kings and Lord of lords. Hallelujah! Amen!