Wednesday's Verse of the Day Devotional

Good morning! I believed in God at a very young age. What I didn't believe is that He loved me or could love me. I saw Him as a holy being who would strike you dead if you did something too wrong. I was afraid of Him.

I never thought He could love me because many of the people in my life who were supposed to love me, abused me. So, it was hard to related to a God who I could not see and ever think in His holiness, could ever love someone who seemed so unlovable.

Yet, in many ways, God began to show His love to me through people I thought would hate, judge and shun me. The world can be a very cruel place. It is important for us who believe and have received God's love to show it generously to others. Especially those who may be regarded as outcasts in society. The church should be a living example of the love of God.

His love is what allows a holy God to be compassionate, merciful and gracious towards sinful, rebellious and hurting people. His love changed my life. It can change yours too if you accept it. God is holy and just, but He also loving and kind. If we abide in His love, His love abides in us and we can have the ability to love the unlovable in ways that go beyond our natural tolerance for humanity. Let His love live in you and work through you as you make a great day!