Speaking for myself, as a young child, I was quite oblivious to the inner workings of my parents bank accounts. It wasn’t until I got a little older and a little wiser that I began to understand that money did not grow on trees. Also, contrary to any beliefs or misconceptions I had at the time, my parents weren’t made of it. Life teaches us such lessons, even as adults. As a child, things just were. But as I grew, so did my wisdom and understanding.
That’s the valuable experience we can all have as believers. It’s one thing to be told about God, but it's a totally different experience when I get to know him for myself. That’s where that relationship comes in. I gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of God’s love, grace, and mercy when I began to realize how often I personally experience it.
I know how to love myself and others when I understand the magnitude of the love that God has for me. I understand mercy all the more when I recognize the times I received it. Countless times I can think of being on the receiving end of a little mercy. And grace! Thank God for his grace. A pastor I know once explained that mercy is not receiving what we deserve. Grace is receiving what we do not deserve. Both are capable of making one develop humility and a deeper appreciation of God’s love.
I often think about grace periods. We have a due date for most bills and such. Often, it’s accompanied with a small window where, although late, we won’t be penalized. How awesome is that? It helps us out when we are short or forgetful. The interest on that bill doesn’t leap frog and we aren’t slammed with late charges right away. It’s a brief enough period not to make you comfortable enough to ignore your due date completely and long enough that you have time to get in shape before it’s too late.
As great as that can be for our bank accounts, it does not compare to God’s grace. I always find myself marveling when I meditate on the fact that God, although knowing the true depth of the sin on this earth, loved his creation so much that he should sacrifice for us his only begotten son as the only atonement for our salvation. There truly is no greater love than that. So many of us have been in a position where we were the recipients of great gifts that were completely undeserving.
We’re approaching the Christmas season where many people lecture their children on being naughty or nice. The reality for many families is that, regardless of if their children are good or bad, they’re still out there buying those gifts for them to have ready and waiting under those Christmas trees. Whether they deserve it or not. That’s the love we have for one another. Yet, it still pales in comparison to God’s love, grace, and mercy.
So if you find yourself pondering if God cares about you, know for certain that he does. More than you do. It’s the perfect season to meditate on the birth of Jesus and what a great sacrifice the gift of his life created for us. Again, there truly is no greater love than the love that God has for you.
Stay Sunny!
Suggested Readings:
Comments