"God’s Favorite Things"
EPISODE 57
Remember God's Love for You
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"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings. These are a few of my favorite things" — Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music
I love quiet mornings, that first cup of coffee, and good conversations with a friend. What are your favorite things? I'm sure everyone's list is a little different, but some things have a way of bringing us a special kind of joy.
Would it surprise you to know that God has a list of his favorite things too? Let's look at a few things God loves, and what they mean for us today.
A Cheerful Giver
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7).
We're commanded to give — but it's not the amount of the gift that matters. It's about our motivation and attitude. And when we sacrifice with the right heart, thoughtfully, willingly, and cheerfully, God is pleased with the gift. So, do we "drag our feet" in giving, or are we jumping at the chance to sacrifice for him?
Those He Disciplines
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights" (Prov. 3:11-12).
I used to think my parents hated me whenever they would discipline me. Now, as a parent, I know the truth. We correct our children because we love them. It's love that motivates us to address it. And it's the same with God. He takes time with us, molding and shaping us, so we can grow up to be productive and fruitful servants (John 15:1-5). If life seems harder than usual, maybe God is lovingly teaching us a lesson and honing us to become better.
The World
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
God's love for the world may be the most important of all. More personally, God loves you, and he loves me. His compassion and mercy caused Jesus to come to this earth and die for us all. How amazing that God was pleased to "crush him" (Isa. 53:10), knowing the result would be our salvation! What a gift from our God who cares about us all so profoundly!
There are many more things that God loves, but these are just a few. May we take comfort in knowing that God loves us and seeks our good as we strive to serve him every day.
