Every year on the Sunday before Valentine's Day, my Grammy Huffer would take out a little box from her purse that was filled with candy conversation hearts. The little ones that come in various colors, and have words written on them. I loved to read all the different phrases that were on the hearts. These were a special treat that she gave me, that grew into a tradition. It was a gesture that made me feel appreciated. This was a gift of love.
Likewise, God has a heart for us that overflows with unconditional love. He has chosen to give us the greatest expression of love that is absolutely immeasurable. “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4: 9-10).”
Even though we know this, it still seems inevitable to focus on the individuals who have difficulty accepting us. It is natural to feel rejected, persecuted, and struck down. However, the key to overcoming this is through love. “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us (1 John 4:12).” Loving others allows them to experience God's love and to better understand it ourselves.
I loved my Grammy very much, because she first loved me. This is how God loves us. He first loved us as His children. What words do you think God has written on your heart? Maybe it reads... accepted, chosen, creation, masterpiece, bold, forgiven. God will always have something to put on our heart. Remember this: “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).” Go ahead and take a look. What does your heart say?
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