Mom Heart Moments #37

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY TO encourage and to speak lifegiving words is one of the best reflections of the reality of Christ in our lives. God always initiated —creating a Garden where Adam and Eve could thrive and be blessed; providing clothes after they had sinned; sending manna and quail for the Israelites in the desert; giving words of encouragement; miraculously multiplying fish and loaves when He noticed people’s hunger; sharing promises of hope with His followers; and ultimately giving Himself as the final sacrifice.

When we pursue our children, our husband, our friends, and others in our lives who may be in need, we can protect them from despair, condemnation, and surrendering to less than God’s best. We may even help them change their destiny by giving them the courage to hold fast their hope and wait long enough for God to show His grace in difficult circumstances.

This is why I pursue my children with the intention of giving them words of life. Calling my husband most days after lunch has become part of my daily routine, too, so I can let him know someone in the world is thinking of him and loves him and prays for him. Traveling across the globe to visit those I’m committed to, gathering women in my home, and hosting holidays all fall in this same category of purpose.

We don’t initiate because we feel like it —we may be weary and discouraged ourselves. But we do it out of obedience, because He did, and His supernatural grace drives us to give of ourselves to others.

In today’s verse, we see God’s initiative! Because He loved us, He gave His Son. Who does God bring to mind that you might need to take initiative with today?