“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” — Jeremiah 31:3
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Nomar Garciaparra and Mia Hamm both spent years on the road as professional athletes in their respective sports. Nomar was a six-time All-Star shortstop and third baseman. Mia is known as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. These two super busy people got married in 2003 and still have a healthy, growing relationship. As we think about how difficult it is to establish and keep long-term relationships in the fast-paced world of professional sports, it’s inspiring to see Nomar and Mia continue to cherish one another after many years. Sadly, many “celebrity” marriages are treated as disposable instead of something deeply valuable.
If we think about treasuring our favorite people and holding onto them for a long time, we get a glimpse of God’s love for us. The Lord doesn’t see any of us as disposable. God considers every soul to be more valuable than the most expensive fine china. Every raindrop and every ray of sunlight proves the love of God for all people throughout the world and this love never stops. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). God’s everlasting, unfailing love is more than enough.
After God made the world, people sinned and ruined the paradise called the Garden of Eden. At that moment, God could have forsaken humans, but His love kept flowing anyway. From that time, the Lord designed a plan to redeem us, cleanse our sins, and keep us in good standing for Heaven. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus made this salvation available to anyone who will admit their sinfulness and follow Christ as Lord and Savior.
Once we accept Christ, it’s time for us to start learning to love like Jesus. Throughout the New Testament we’re challenged to love God and love people. Jesus lived in a human body for 33 years to show us how to live and how to love. Jesus did not speak or act selfishly. Everything He said and did showed unselfishness. He honored the Heavenly Father and made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Though it seems impossible, Jesus calls us to love others the way He did. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16).
If we love like Jesus loves, then we must learn to forgive others. We all wrong one another sometimes. The love won’t last unless we put away grudges and stop seeking revenge. We all need forgiveness and we all need to give people some mercy. In fact, God commands us to forgive just as He commands us to be honest and not to be greedy. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13).
When we are motivated by His love, we will want to love God and others well. So this week, give your hurts and grievances to God and be filled to overflowing with His perfect love so that others can experience it too. Loving like Jesus makes all the difference.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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