We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:19
Have you ever wondered why God loves you? To be loved by the Almighty Creator seems impossible. Yet it is true.
He loves you.
Like Peter, I have denied Him. Like Abraham, I have lied. Like Moses, I have shown unrighteous anger. Like Aaron I have been jealous. I’m pretty sure I’ve broken every commandment at least in my mind, which Jesus said is the same as breaking them in practice. (Matthew 5:22, 27)
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
If God can love me, how can I not love others?
Remember the story Jesus told about the king who forgave his servant a debt of millions of dollars. Then that servant found that another servant who had borrowed a few thousand dollars from him couldn’t repay his debt, this same man who had been forgiven millions threw his debtor in prison for a smaller debt.
The king heard about it and had the unforgiving servant thrown into prison because of his inability to pass on to others the forgiveness he had been shown. (Matthew 18:21-35)
Then Jesus said this:
“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:35
Knowing how much God has forgiven us and loves us, how can we not pass that on to others, showing love even when it is not deserved?
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:12
Keep Seeking the Kingdom!
Heather Penner
Youth Ministries Director
