“But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” – Psalms 86:15
There have been many times when I have witnessed the grace of God at work in my life. I cannot begin to count the times that I have failed to measure up to God’s standards. Even though I have proven to be far from perfect, I can say with deep gratitude, that God has continued to stay by my side. God has not given up on me. God has forgiven me.
It is overwhelming to think about the depth of God’s love for all of His people. I have often had a hard time understanding how His long-suffering patience goes so far; that is, until I had children of my own.
No one can test a person’s patience more than their own children. Perhaps it is because, as parents, our hopes and expectations for our children are so high. Or maybe it is that we just spend so much of our time with them. Either way, my children can test my patience. Don’t get me wrong, I love my girls deeply, but they know how to push my buttons. Sometimes they ignore me, sometimes they do the exact opposite of what their mom and I ask of them.
No matter what my children have done, I have yet to find a time when my heart is not filled with love for them. They may test the limits of my patience, but they will never find the end of my love for them.
If my love for my daughters is so great, how much more is God’s love for His children?
I hope you will pause for a moment today and give thanks that our God’s love is so wonderful. I for one am grateful that God’s love knows no end. I am thankful for His patience with me. I pray we all can share this love with our neighbors.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
