Never-Ending
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
My youngest daughter, who turned twenty-one recently, has consistently presented unique challenges. All children have their difficulties, and her two older siblings have had their moments as well. However, she presents a different type of challenge due to her being adopted, which brings various unforeseen frustrations. This context is shared to illustrate the dynamic, as my wife and I do not view her any differently. She is our child, and we love her equally as we do her siblings.
As children of God, I often am reminded of the same dynamic. It is of such comfort to know His love for me in spite of my shortcomings. While this is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with Jesus Christ, I find there are times where I often take that for granted. I mention taken for granted because it is not forgotten. It is an admission that just as I love my daughter for who she is, He loves me just as I am. It does not mean He does not wish for me to be a better representative of Him or that He is not sadden when I fall or struggle through life’s storms. It does mean it is a never-changing constant in my life, and when I begin to question my worthiness of it, He always responds with a resounding yes!
God’s love is a constant and never changing. Rather than an elaborate complex concept that needs to be broken down, this is really simple, and as we have learned in life, it is the simplest things that are often the most powerful. The reminder of God’s love for us is part of our fabric, but like all things in life, we can often take it for granted. In times of comfort and abundance, we may overlook the blessings that flow from His love and grace. During moments of routine and monotony, we may fail to recognize the steady presence of His love sustaining us. Even in our relationships, we may neglect to show gratitude for the love we receive, reflecting the love God has for us.
Whether it be a belief that we can do things through our God given gifts or have disappointed Him in some fashion, we can lose sight of God. Yet, as I am reminded of the love I have for my daughter no matter what she has done, God’s love functions even more so for each one of us. It is never ending and overwhelming. It is something we can never understand and yet, are so ever grateful for.
God’s love is the most amazing and blessed thing we have. Today’s devotion is not difficult to understand, but it is often the most forgotten and taken for granted. When things are going well, we should never forget the provision He has given us, and when times troubled, we take heed to the words of Jesus, who said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b) Let us both strive to be ever mindful of this divine love and find solace in the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love God has for us. How does tie reminder of God’s love for us impact your walk of faith? What ways might you take God’s love for granted and how can you be more mindful of it? My prayer is we are reassured today of the never-ending love God has for us. Amen.