Our Value Comes from Dwelling in God’s Love
As I begin to write this, I’m looking forward to Summer. However, I now realize I could be busier than I originally planned. I’m not yet sure if my summer will be a grand adventure, or a pull-your-bootstraps-up-and-keep-going experience.
I’m honestly content with however God chooses to move in the next several months. In addition, I’m fully aware God has lessons to teach me along the way. I must choose now to be teachable, pliable, and faithful.
The Spirit’s Nudging
God hasn’t directed me to put my blog on hold. However, His gentle Spirit nudged me and spoke words of freedom. Therefore, this Summer, I choose to write simple lessons God is teaching me in the moment. I hope the lessons I share will challenge you to move one stepper closer to Jesus as you navigate your summer adventure.
Learning from the Book of James
I am currently working through a Bible study entitled James ~ the Steadfast Life, published by The Daily Grace Company. I am studying the book of James at a slow easy pace. Each day, I digest only a few verses as I navigate the workbook.
The other morning I sat on my patio and examined James 2:1-4. As I read the verses, I easily found the main idea and considered it concise and direct. Do not show favoritism.
Applying the Word
I prepared my mind and heart to examine my choices and behaviors. I know I show partiality at times, so I set my intentions to be honest with myself and God. However, I then read the devotional in the study guide.
“At its foundation, partiality is contrary and incompatible with the gospel. From the start of the Bible we learn that man and woman are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). So partiality is an attack of the imago dei that is etched into every human who has been made in God’s image. When we partake in the sin of partiality to any extent, we show that we do not truly understand the gospel.”
Ouch.
A Personal Story
Over the past year, I gained weight that I can’t seem to lose. Because of this, I flip flop emotionally. On any given day I may be patiently content and deal with my circumstance wisely. On the very next day, I could experience overwhelming depression and frustration. Though my circumstance is not one I would choose, God is using my situation for my good.
You may be wondering what my story has to do with partiality. God revealed my tendency to exhibit favoritism often comes from my own struggle with knowing my value. I can choose to be partial to someone because I believe the value I perceive they hold will transfer to me somehow. Ever been there?
Our Value comes from God
God declares we all have value because He made us in HIs we are made in the image of God Himself. In addition, the Gospel welcomes everyone into God’s Kingdom. Our value comes because Jesus redeems us and covers us with His righteousness. Our value is anchored in the reality that God loves us, wants us, and chooses us to belong to Him and His royal family.
We don’t earn our place in God’s family. Neither can we declare it is our right to be included. Instead, we must continually recognize God’s grace and experience the inclusive love of Jesus.
Christ is always delighted to see us when we come to enjoy His presence. The Holy Spirit longs to hang out with us and accompany us as we do our daily tasks. God desires to transform us and make our lives the best they can be.
God’s Favorite
God does not treat us with partiality. And yet, we are each His favorite. I realize that sounds contradictory. However, God loves us in ways that are beyond our comprehension.
On Mother’s Day, I preached a sermon based on Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3, specifically Ephesians 3:17b-19.
“I pray that you being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:17b-19, CSB
The Wonder of God’s Love
God’s love surpasses knowledge; God’s love must be experienced. As we dwell in God’s love, He fills us completely with all of who He is. We then begin to see ourselves with His heart of grace and compassion. In addition, He teaches us to see others with that same grace and compassion and eliminate treating some with partiality.
A Summer in Love
As you begin your summer adventure, will you be intentional about discovering something new about God and how He loves you? For example, you could do a daily devotional on a Bible app or listen to God’s Word as you drive. You could also choose to gather friends together and do a study, like James ~ the Steadfast Life. Perhaps God will prompt you to invest in serving someone on a regular basis throughout the summer. You may feel compelled to turn off your TV and listen to praise music as you do daily tasks.
God has summer plans. He longs to enjoy these days with you. You are His favorite and there is no partiality in that. God’s gospel chooses each of us because He loves us so. As we each adventure this summer, may we learn how to express that love to everyone we encounter.
God Loves You Photo by john crozier on Unsplash
