In His Image...

There are basic principles that I learned early in life regarding my Christian faith.  One was that I was created in the image of God.  Now, as I understood it, I am body, soul and spirit.  My Lord revealed himself in three persons; The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit.   For many years, my similarity to my Lord extended just to that particular fact. After believing in the Son as my Messiah, my heart of stone was removed and replaced with a heart of flesh; Ezekiel 36:26.  Then the similarities to him became more apparent.

One of the ways this was revealed was in love.  My Lord has an everlasting love for each and every one of us.  It does not matter what we do, what we say, who we are; “He loves us”. It is his character.  For that reason, he woos us.  He allows us to bask in the beauty of flowers, in viewing a flock of birds flying in unison while in amazement, in the enjoyment of having the company of   loving pets.  The Lord always draws us to him by his loving kindness; Jeremiah 31:3.  Have you ever experienced such as kind and generous God?  He remembers our petitions, our troubles, our grief; Psalm 22:24, and yet, He forgets our faults; Psalm 103:12.  He delights in having us as his children and He yearns for us; Jeremiah 31:20.  He has a strong desire to lavish goodness on us, and draw us near to his love, protection, and companionship. 

At times, I have practiced these characteristics of love.  I have wanted to woo friends and family with love and kindness.  I have wanted to enjoy their company, and share from what I have been given.  I have wanted to loved them and yes, to be loved by them.  And just like the Lord, I have experienced another side to love.  The side of disappointments, disillusions, and rejection.  During these times I have reflected on Him.  For I have been a culprit of many disappointments.  I have rejected his love, protection and support.  Yet, my Lord has always been loyal.  He has never change.  He has chosen to love me.  So I have followed his example.  No matter what happens, I will continue to love.  Not only because He commands it; John 13:34-35 but also because He has given me a heart like his; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:22-23.

My Lord’s love is real.  He lavished it on me. For that; “I am humbled... I am grateful... I am honored...”

Copyright 12/10