Our scripture this morning is Zephaniah 3:17.
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
We read much about God’s love for His children, but this verse gives us an example of the true emotion our Father feels for us. It speaks of Him being with us, His protection and the boundless joy He expresses when we are connected to Him. The prophet Zephaniah tells us “He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
It seems we expect a different connection with God then we do with one another. While we see it in different ways, God’s love is the basis for all human relationships. We love Him as our creator and each other as brothers and sisters. Our love for one another is shown by caring for their human needs and sharing the joy of the Lord. This is also how we show our love for God.
We can’t love God fully without loving each other and we can’t love each other fully without God in our lives. Turning to Him in prayer and repentance allows Him to speak into our lives and send us to share His love with the world. Love God, love neighbor, make disciples – this is what Jesus came to teach us. God has made a way for us to be saved, let us tell everyone the Good News.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we fail to love You and Your creation as we should. Forgive us and strengthen us to go to the world in Your name. Amen.
