Between You And God #15

Dear God, How do I know that you truly love me?

For weeks, excitement had been building at school. Posters taped up all over the hallways promised a show-and-tell visit from an amazing magician. He could make whole people disappear! He could turn a plate of green beans into a plate of chocolate cake.

The day came, and the magician arrived. Students stopped to talk with him in the hallway, and he confirmed that yes, he really could do those things. The hours ticked by till the assembly, and even the teachers could hardly wait. Once everyone was gathered, the magician appeared in front of everyone and did . . . nothing. Then he showed a film of himself performing tricks someplace else, although the movie was hard to see and no one could be sure that he hadn’t changed the film to make the tricks seem real when they were not. On the way out of the gym, one girl said, “He’s no magician. He didn’t do any of the things he said he would do.” He was all tell and no show.

People shouldn’t be judged on what they promise, or what they say, or what others say about them, even if those things are exciting. The truth is shown only by what people do, not what they say.

God does not just say he loves you; his actions show he loves you. He demonstrates that love is patient and kind and isn’t rude or jealous or boastful or proud (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). He is someone who loves you and doesn’t hold a grudge. He sticks with you no matter what happens, good or bad. Most of all, God proved his love for you by giving you the most valuable gift—his Son.

How about You?

How has God shown you that he loves you today? How can you show him that you love him, too? Remember, don’t just tell him. Show him!

God Says . . .

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. 1 John 3:16