The first Bible verse I learned was John 3:16, the reference so often seen on posters and banners as the camera pans across the crowd at sporting events.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (KJV, Public Domain).
My early Christian education included simple songs we children sang on Sunday mornings. The lyrics assured me that Jesus loves not only me, but all the children of the world.
Every single one.
Little children grow up. Jesus loves them still. He never condones sin, but He never stops loving us.
Ever.
The person who cut you off in traffic and made an unfriendly gesture? Jesus loves that one.
The person who did you dirty at work? Jesus loves that one.
The person who stole from you? Jesus loves that one.
The spouse who walked away with your heart and half your bank account? Jesus loves that one.
The murderer… the adulterer… the liar… the cheat… the bully… Jesus loves them, too.
He who was the Word at the beginning is the epitome of love.
The beautiful Scripture of I Corinthians 13, read so often at weddings, encourages us to choose love. This passage stands true all the days of our lives. Not just when we are dressed in our best standing before an officiant. Not just on those Sundays when we find our way to church. Love still applies when irritations come and one of us is tempted to sell the other to the circus. Love still applies when one is already late for an appointment and finds that the last person to drive the car left the gas tank nearly empty. Even when there is more month than money, more sickness than health, more questions than answers, and things seem far worse than better, love still applies.
If I profess to follow Christ, I must follow His example every day of my life.
Today I choose love.
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