For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
–John 3:16
Five-year-old Silas was “helping” his dad work on a truck in the garage.
The truck was up on jacks, so Silas wasn’t allowed underneath it. After being told three times not to get under the truck, Dad sent Silas to “time out” in a corner of the garage. As Silas turned to go to the corner, he said, “I hate you.”
Without missing a beat, Dad said, “I’m sorry to hear that, but I want you to know I love you. I love you so much I don’t want you to get hurt, which is why I won’t let you get under the truck. If it fell, it would hurt very, very much.”
Silas was smart enough to realize in those few moments that love isn’t something we should give and take so easily; that his dad’s love isn’t conditional on behavior or accomplishments. It just is.
Dad was proud when Silas also realized his love for his dad isn’t based on what he is or isn’t allowed to do. “I don’t hate you,” Silas said. “I love you, too. I’m just mad.”
God’s love for us is like that. It just is, because He made each of us. He can’t stop loving us. No matter what we do.
Prayer
Dear God, Please help me love other people enough to try to keep them from being lost. Help me see everyone the way You do — created in Your image. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Reflection
Why should I never doubt that God loves me?