”12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;”
Colossians 3:13
God loves us and He wants for us to love Him. If you really think about it, it’s really not such a weird desire, for parents to want their children to love them.
I’m the father of four daughters. Since 2003, when my first daughter Grace was born, I’ve done it all as a father.
I was there when each one was born.
I held each one from birth, rocked each one to sleep, cried at their first laugh, jumped at their first step.
I love my children.
And, I’ll be the first one to admit, I long for their love.
I can only imagine how God feels about us, His children.
How can we love God?
The good news is, we don’t have to guess how to grow our love for God, since He designated the apostle Paul to write about it, and give us precise instructions how to do so.
First, Paul calls us “elect of God.”
The word elect stems from elections, or by definition, to be voted into a position of power. In His instruction, God tells us we are chosen for the mission at hand.
Next, Paul encourages us by reminding us we are made holy by our faith in the risen Savior, and of course, loved by our heavenly Father.
As beloved, holy servants of God, we are then equipped with the tools required to love others, and to honor and love the One who created us, for His glory.
First, we are to put on or “clothe” ourselves with His mercy.
Paul uses a clothing analogy to illustrate the importance of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience in our lives, and the need to start each day dwelling with God through prayer, quiet time with the Lord, songs of worship and of course, in his Word.
As we invest in God, our love and appreciation for Him will grow and blossom into a relationship we can always rely on for strength, courage and guidance.
Clothe yourself with the tender mercy of God, put on His kindness and humble yourself before the magnificence of the miracle at the cross.
God loves us unconditionally. As my Father in Heaven, and for everything He’s done for me, my family and loves ones, I’d say He deserves I love Him back… 🙂
I love you God. Thank you, Father.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
