Today we are celebrating Sam, our grandson. He turned 3 yesterday. Where has the time gone!
I was needing to hear from the Lord this morning regarding a particular issue I have been dealing with. And wouldn’t you know it, I was immediately reminded of this picture and the overwhelming love I felt for Sam the first time I held him.
We have two other grandchildren who are older than Sam. Lex and AJ are grown, they were really out on their own when Sam was born. Having a new grandchild to love didn’t diminish the love we have for those two in the slightest. In fact, it just reminded me of how special they all are. And now Sam has a little sister, Kristine. With her entrance to the family the capacity to love has expanded.
Isn’t that the way it is with our heavenly Father? More family members equals more love.
We come as new born babes into God’s family and He loves us. He holds us, He carries and protects us. He sees that we are properly nourished. He loves us unconditionally and there is always room in His heart to love one more!
He’s a whosoever-will-may-come, open-hearted Father.
“I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say… I am the least important of all the apostles. In fact, I caused so much trouble for God’s church that I don’t even deserve to be called an apostle. 10 But God was kind! He made me what I am, and his wonderful kindness wasn’t wasted” I Corinthians 15:3-10 CEV
These verses were written by the Apostle Paul. He was a man who had persecuted Christians right after Jesus’ resurrection. He had arrest warrants issued and he brought them in to be tried and killed. Paul was overwhelmed by God’s wonderful kindness, His love and grace, His forgiveness and acceptance.
The way we opened our hearts to love and add Sam to our family can’t even be compared to the way the Father loves and accepts us but it’s the only example I can think to give.
Another verse came to mind when I was reflecting on the graciousness of the Father.
“Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circum- stances, and it endures everything [without weakening].” I Corinthians 13:7 AMP
God willingly believes the best about us and not just us, He believes the best about everyone. He never assumes the worst. He is long suffering, willing and ready to go the extra mile to keep His relationship with us.
What an amazing example to follow!
Each one of us, that includes the people we don’t like, are loved by the Father. Hope never fades away.
“Father, let me see others as you see me, a loved member of your family. Let me not lose hope when circumstances would cause me to throw up my hands and quit. I confess my frustration and receive Your patience. Thank you for making me a part of your family.”
It’s is great to be a loved by the Father!
God’s love and His grace are amazing!