The scriptures are filled with poignant reminders of God’s love for us. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10, we find Jesus preparing the disciples to go and teach the world about God’s kingdom. Jesus knows they will face difficult times, just like each of us faces struggles. Jesus tells them, over and over, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus wants us to know that we will encounter trials, but we are not alone. We are cared for by our God, who loves us.

“Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”