Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Listen to the Word

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. (Daniel 9:9)

We normally love something because there is something about that thing that causes us to love it. I love French fries because they taste good. A boy loves his girlfriend because she is cute, or funny, or smart, or kind. We love things that deserve to be loved - things that have inherent worth.

God’s love for us is different. He does not love us because of something in us. He loves us because of something in him. God loves us not because we are good, but because he is good. As Daniel observed, he shows us mercy even though we have rebelled against him. No matter how unlovable we may be, God loves us anyway. That’s just the way he is!

Live the Word

Think of something you have done that would have shut you off from God if his love were based on how much you deserve it. Thank him for loving you in spite of everything. Thank him for his mercy.