God loves you.

Ever heard that before?

It’s true, God does love you.

Consider for a moment that truth. God loves you.

God’s love for us is unmatched and unwavering.

Now before we dig in further and I hopefully connect the dots of God’s love and things we should consider, let’s start with one of my favorite things…definitions!

Per the Merriam Webster’s dictionary, the meaning for consider is “to think about carefully” or “to regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way”. The Webster’s 1828 dictionarystates “to fix the mind on; to view with careful examination”.

So, let’s consider-

When we love someone, it does not mean:

• We agree with all their decisions.
• We are pleased with them or proud of them all the time.

When we love someone, it does not mean:

• We avoid speaking truth to them for fear of hurting them. (This one resonates deeply with me. I’ve told my children since they were pre-teens “I’d rather you hurt me with the truth than comfort me with a lie.”)

When we love someone, it does not mean:

• We are never angry with them.
• We aren’t disappointed with them.
• We avoid putting rules in place for their own protection.

When we love someone, it does not mean:

• We never break their heart.
• We never hold them accountable.

Consider how at times we break His heart.

Consider how He will hold each one of us accountable.

Consider there is a constant and ever-growing battle between God and Satan.

Consider the depth of His love, why He waits for the lost to choose Him.

I outline those examples because there is a divine connection between our humanity and God’s sovereignty.

Brothers and sisters, those of us that proclaim to be followers of Christ, we must not forget there is a very real battle against evil. This is not a passive fight. Consider when we speak or take action, who the fight is truly with and equally important, who we represent! Jesus. Then consider your readiness and willingness to stand for the Truth.

Consider the truth of these scriptures.

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Oh Jesus, thank you for loving me enough to have this world not be the end. Thank you for loving me enough to hold me accountable like a loving and trustworthy father does.  Help me consider how I represent you and forgive me for the times I don’t do it well. Lord help me stay diligent and passionate about Your word, give me the courage to fight the real enemy, no matter how he disguises himself. Guard my heart and place Your armor on me every day so I may continue on, even when my feelings are weary and my hope wavers. Help me pause so that I consider what You call me to say and do. No more. No less. For you are pure, and Your greatest desire is that I would choose You. I ask for this to be a covering for my brothers and sisters in Christ. And for those that are lost or blind to you, to have sight and see you clearly Lord, for all of us need you desperately in this world and ultimately to make it into heaven.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

This week’s playlist:

David Crowder*Band – How He Loves (Official Music Video) – YouTube

How He Loves Us

Crowder

Vertical Worship – Exalted Over All – YouTube

Exalted Over All

Vertical Worship

Brandon Heath – Give Me Your Eyes (Official Music Video) – YouTube

Give Me Your Eyes

Brandon Heath