Years ago in North Carolina, Judge Clara Warren served in the juvenile court system. She was known for her strict interpretation of the law, but also for her love and compassion.
One day Judge Warren took reporter Phyllis Hobe on a tour of a correctional facility. How surprised Hobe was by the judge’s personal knowledge of many of the inmates and her sincere concern for them. She was helping them to get into schools and secure jobs when they were released. She even continued to care for them if they were readmitted. "How can you keep on loving them?" the reporter asked. "They don’t seem to appreciate all you’ve done for them." The judge then explained that she didn’t love them because she wanted to receive their thanks. She simply loved them, expecting nothing in return.
Isn’t that how God loves us? The Bible tells us that He loved the world so much that He gave His Son to die for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Though sinful and ungrateful, every man, woman, and child is the object of His love. Yes, He longs for our loving obedience. But when that doesn’t happen, He continues to love us no matter how unlovable we are.
Father, enable us to love others the way You love us. – Vernon C. Grounds
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be. – Matheson
READ: Romans 5:1-11
Nothing is more powerful than God’s love.