Key Bible Verse: We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us (1 John 3:16). Bonus Reading: 1 John 3:16-20

When I was a child, my vacationing family stopped by a lake for a picnic lunch. While my parents assembled sandwiches, my brothers and I decided to play by the lake. Father gave permission, but added, "Don't get on the dam."

The dam's sharp-edged concrete blocks and twisted wire could easily slice through blue jeans and skin. Concerned for our safety, Dad repeated his command.

But to retrieve a Frisbee, one of my brothers climbed on the dam's edge, slipped on the wet concrete, and deeply gashed his knee.

When Dad heard our cries for help, turned, and saw where we were, anger flushed his face. But then he realized my brother was hurt and came running. He plunged knee-deep into the mud, hugged my brother to his chest, and we rushed to the hospital. When they emerged from the emergency room an hour later, Dad was a sloppy, muddy, bloody mess.

I now understood that I was the child of a father who gave commands for his children's good and loved them so much that, even when they disobeyed, he'd cover himself with filth to keep them safe.

—Bryan Chapell in The Wonder of It All

My Response: Understanding God's love makes it easier to obey His commands, such as …

Thought to Apply: We have a God who loves. That means that we have a God who suffers.—J. B. Phillips (British pastor, New Testament translator)

Adapted from The Wonder of It All (Crossway, 1999) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, this week enlarge my comprehension of, and appreciation for, Your self-giving love.

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