Thursday, August 11, 2016

THE MANNER OF LOVE

In 1 John 3: 1, we read: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”

“I hope they will let me play with them.” Jimmy tossed his baseball up, caught it, walked to the vacant lot where the boys gathered.


“Where do you think you’re going?” A grubby hand snatched his baseball.

“Hey. Give it back.”

"I’ll give it back all right.” The grubby boy hauled back and let go, then took off running.

Jimmy stared at the back window in Mr. Sam’s store that looked like a kaleidoscope as the shattering pieces reflected the sunlight. The back door opened. Mr. Sam stood, frowning, the baseball in his hand.

“This belong to you?” Jimmy nodded.

“Come with me.” Jimmy followed Mr. Sam into his store. “Sit.” He pointed to a stool. “We need to decide how you’re going to fix my window.”

“But I didn’t do it, --“

Mr Sam held up his hand. “I know, but your baseball did. You have to fix it.”

“I-I don’t have much money. I’ll give you what’s in my bank.”

“Tell you what. I need someone to deliver packages for me. I’ll let you work it off.”

“You’d do that? For me? After I caused your broken window?” Mr. Sam nodded, reached out, shook Jimmy’s hand. Deal.

I’ve broken windows in my life. Things I’ve done I can’t make right, words and actions that caused pain--to me and others. Then the Lord Jesus came. He showed me how I could share the message of His love instead of hate. His manner of love changed the way I look at life.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus offers the same to you.  He promises He will never leave nor forsake you. He loves you with an everlasting love. And He will call you His child. Won’t you come?