Bears Repeating!

“If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times.” Perhaps we have experienced a parent directing those words toward us. I must admit I made similar statements to our own children as they were growing up. It is a statement indicative of a sense of frustration in having to remind and remind and remind again. However, a problem with some things being repeated again and again is that they end up being tuned out. Nevertheless there is that which we should never tire of repeating or hearing and that is the expression of genuine LOVE.

Following each thought in Psalm 136 (a psalm which appears to have been set up as a responsive reading) is the recurring phrase “for HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.” (ESV) Twenty-six times in this one psalm this statement regarding God’s LOVE is made. It bears repeating and the truth regarding God’s LOVE does not diminish with the repetition. The thing which should take place is for our awareness of it to continue to grow.

It is possible to say “I LOVE you” and then act in ways that convey the opposite to be true. God has stated His LOVE for us in no uncertain terms. He has also clearly displayed the genuineness of His LOVE innumerable times and by various means. (i.e. Romans 5:8) Though we may say we LOVE God and say it often, what does our life actually declare? I know my wife would not be pleased if I had said “I LOVE you” when we got married and never told her again. She would also have difficulty believing me if I said the words but acted contrary to them. Could we honestly expect it to be any different with God?

When Jesus was asked regarding the greatest commandment, He replied…
“And you shall LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with ALL YOUR HEART and with ALL YOUR SOUL and with ALL YOUR MIND and with ALL YOUR STRENGTH.” ( Mark 12:30 ESV)

Our whole life is laid bare before God. He sees beyond the words to the heart. Do we truly have a whole-hearted devoted LOVE for God? Is our soul completely drawn to the One Who holds eternity in His hands? Do the things we dwell on in our mind declare our genuine LOVE for God and His Will? And do we use our strength eagerly and energetically out of LOVE for His cause? What is it that our entire being continues to repeat again and again regarding LOVE for God as we go about our daily activities?

The genuineness of our LOVE for God bears repeating day after day and by our entire being. May our heart, soul, mind, and strength reveal it to be so. God longs to hear it again and again from our lips and in the daily actions of our life.

Have a great day CONSISTENTLY REVEALING A HEART TOWARD GOD!
Carl

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