A Simple Truth

It is good to be reminded of the simple truths in life.  Often these reminders come from unexpected places like around the dinner table this afternoon.  Here's a snapshot of our conversation:

A (daughter): Do you love J (son)?
Me: Yes, of course!
A: Why do you love him?
Me: Because we just do.
A: But why?
Me: We just do, he's part of our family.
A: But why? Because God made him?
                                                                                      Me: [taken aback]: Yeah, that's right.

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A simple conversation with an important reminder.  Just as we love one another in our families because God created us and brought us together as a family, so too the church is to love each other and the world.  In fact, that is the ultimate purpose for us as individuals and the church.  To love because God first loved us and to see each person as a uniquely created  individual made in the image of God.

What would the world look like if instead of labeling people according to race, or gender, or sexuality (which is the latest trendy label for people), we saw everyone as equal—all brothers and sisters in Christ who offers himself to those who trust in Him, all made in the image of God who breathed life into us, all sinners in need of God's redeeming?  

How would our communities change if instead of looking down on that guy on the street who reeks of smoke and booze or the single mom who moved into town and is struggling to get by we were to see them as a brother or sister who God desperately wants to be in relationship with and wants to breathe new life into their spirits?

How would our lives change if instead of holding a grudge against that woman who did something to us a long time ago (and we can't even remember what that something was) we would love her as a fellow created human who has the imprint of God on her and freely offer her forgiveness.  

Who is that person in your life that you need to love, not because of what they've done to earn your love but because of who they are — a child of God, created by Him, and loved by Him?  Maybe it's your spouse, your sister, your child, your friend, or maybe it's you.  

The simple reminder today is that God loves you because you are His creation.  Show that love to the world around you today!