love Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

“But be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you!” Ephesians 4:32

Do you know the secret to a lasting marriage? Kindness! It is a choice that we all make on a daily basis, but it is like giving water to a thirsty soul, knowing how thirsty we have also been in the past.

When my husband and I meet with engaged couples, we include this verse in our discussions with them. In their starry-eyed love, they cannot imagine ever being anything but kind and forgiving with each other, but as years go by, unkind words are spoken and unkind deeds are done because even people who love each other are selfish at their core and will lash out in self-defence when threatened.

We all have tender hearts as children, but over the years they often they get walled up in self-protection once we start to feel the unkindness of others. Getting back to a tender heart takes time; it means allowing God to break down walls and then choosing to be vulnerable again. Jesus kept his tender heart throughout: he wept at the death of Lazarus, he agonized over the city of Jerusalem, and he forgave those who crucified him as well as the disciples who ran away in fear.

Do you have a tender heart? Are you still moved by what moves the heart of God, an unconditional love that keeps pursuing the broken-hearted and desires to heal wounds? Choosing to be kind and forgiving to people who do not deserve it is the ultimate example Christ has set for us!

Father, How often I have been on the receiving end of your kind and tender heart towards me. How can I not extend kindness and forgiveness to others? Please show me how to have a tender heart once more that is willing to be vulnerable like Christ was even on the cross. Amen!

Is there someone to whom you can extend kindness and forgiveness today? Allow God to break down any walls surrounding your heart so that you can reach out with tenderness to others who need to be loved, even if you think they do not deserve

By Karen Woodard
Used by Permission

As I sat there, aware of the never ceasing motion of the waves I thought of God’s love. Much like the ocean it beats a steady, constant rhythm in our lives, washing over the hard places creating a newness that we marvel at. Sometimes it comes in gentle waves and warms our hearts. Other times His love crashes in on us in surprising ways that catch us off guard. Yet His love is sure and will never fail us.

Just as sure as the tide comes in and goes out daily, we can rest assured that the relentless tide of God’s love will encase us in His never-ending care. He will create new and wonderful formations within our hearts. His faithful love can be depended upon in the gentle waves and in the crashing rumble as it surrounds us daily. Though it’s not always predictable and tame, God’s love is always good! Trust it. He is your faithful God and He loves You with an everlasting love that always has your best interest at heart.

“I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8b

Father God, Thank you that Your love never ceases. Thank you for washing over my life with Your amazing love and grace. Please help me to trust Your love always, even when it seems hard to understand. May I trust Your never-ending care and allow the new formations in my heart that You alone can create. Thank you Lord! I pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Just a Little Kindness

“But be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you!” Ephesians 4:32

FURTHER READING

The Relentless Tide of Gods Love

“I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8b

Further Reading

Tag: <span>love</span>

Just a Little Kindness

“But be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you!” Ephesians 4:32

FURTHER READING

The Relentless Tide of Gods Love

“I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8b

Further Reading