Suffering, resurrection and Christian love – day 16

A survey in America showed that as many as eight million Americans buy themselves Valentine’s Day gifts and cards. The world we live in is full of lonely people who need love. Man’s greatest common denominator is that everyone yearns for love. Everyone wants to be loved by someone. The good news of the gospel is that God did not leave us on our own. He cares about people and he loves us – so much that he sent his Son to those who believe in him, redeeming our shortcomings and sins.

God loves you, no matter what your circumstances are today. The wrong you have done or the things you are running away from do not matter. Neither does it matter how hurt you are nor what burden you carry today – God loves you!

If you feel like you have let other people down or disappointed them – think of a good dad you know who, in spite of his baby’s cries and discontentment, still hugs his child tightly. God will always hold you close to him. In John 10:29 we read, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

If you feel lonely and like nobody really wants to listen to you, remember Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

If you feel useless, remember that God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to give his life for you: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17

You do not have to buy yourself a card today, because God loves you unconditionally. Remember today that he loves you; he holds your hand and is always present.