1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us."
Sometimes an adult tells a child, "God does not love you when you are bad." That is really not true. God always loves us. God loves us when things are going well and when things are going wrong. He loves us when in hurt and anger we ask why. God hates our sins but loves us sinners.
God could have remained in heaven cursing His creatures for spoiling His beautiful creation. Instead He laid aside His divine might and majesty for a while. In the person of His Son He took our human form and experienced our problems and pains. Finally, He let the forces of evil take His life. But He came back to life. By trusting in Him through the power of the Holy Spirit we can be sure of living with God forever.
We may be battered and shattered by life's blows. Some of our troubles may never go away. Many things puzzle us. We may think nobody cares. But God cares for us right now. Love gives, and God gave all. Through the cross -- God's positive, permanent proof of His amazing love -- He tells each of us clearly: "You mean a lot to Me. I really love you."
PRAYER: Gracious God, we praise You for Your wonderful love. Empower us to be like You: Faithful and forgiving, willing to sacrifice and suffer for others. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 19-20 Matthew 27:27-50
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