He Loves Us

Last Monday, I gave the devotional for our morning time with the ladies in Puerto Rico. God had really impressed on my heart to talk about how much He loves us. The devotion was based on John 3:16 and we talked about how God gave Jesus for us because He loved us. It wasn't because He was disappointed in us or He didn't like what He saw, but simply because He loved us and wanted a relationship with us. Early in my life I believed that God's love was conditional and He was keeping a list of my mistakes. Thankfully that's not how God works. Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. God is not suprised by my weaknesses or mistakes. He knows and He loves me anyway!

One of my favorite moments during the devotion came toward the end. I was repeating John 3:16 and before the interpreter could start, one lady, Julia, began to say it back to me in Spanish. My heart could barely take it; God's word is universal, all-powerful and all-encompassing. As the week would go on, Julia would be the very image of God's unconditional love to us. She served us, she cared for us, she protected us, she made us laugh, she made us cry. No doubt God will use her and her story to grow His kingdom. I am forever grateful to have been in her presence and to have learned from her example. Thanks Julia for loving me like Jesus.