Who Initiated?: True Love or Counterfeit? Part 3

I initiated it. And I make no apologies. I saw him first.

Second period. Freshman English. Girls oohed and aahed over Richard Baxter. But the guy sitting behind Richard caught my attention. He popped up again in World History, and after years of sitting on the last row in the back (my last name started with W), alphabetical order became a blessing. He was a V, and this year we celebrate twenty-seven years of marriage.

God saw you first too. He’s had His eye on you before your eyes were fully formed. He took the first step before you could crawl.

Our relationship with God is not like the rom-com where the couple keeps missing each other and if the timing was right and the stars aligned, they would fall in love.

No, God has always loved you. He initiated it. He didn’t fall in love, so He can’t fall out of it. He’s there for keeps. Even on those days when you sleep through your quiet time or skip church to go to the lake. (Not that we do that in Texas, just saying.)

And God not only initiated the relationship, He removed all the obstacles—namely sin.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (I John 4:11 NIV)

And the next verse?

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (I John 4:12 NIV)

Sound familiar? Kinda like John 15:12 NIV: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

So when it comes to loving others, I should initiate too. It is easy for me to make an effort to build and maintain a good relationship with my kids. My extended family? Umm. Not so much. I have to work at these relationships. Work as in put it on my schedule, take a deep breath, and call.

Are there obstacles I need to move? Pride? Hurt?

Yep. Why? Reasons vary with the relatives. Regardless, it’s a challenge. It’s also a command. Love like He loves me.

So, this week I’m initiating too. My goal? Five relationships, five phone calls. Will you join me?

Questions:

Talk about your marriage. Who initiated the relationship?

When and how did God begin to court you?

In what relationship do you need to take the first step?

Are there obstacles?

How would God have you handle those?

How will you obey today? This week?

God saw you first. He’s had His eye on you before your eyes were fully formed. Click To Tweet
God has always loved you. He initiated it. He didn’t fall in love, so He can’t fall out of it. He’s there for keeps. Click To Tweet
God not only initiated the relationship, He removed all the obstacles—namely sin. Click To Tweet
It’s a challenge. It’s also a command. Love like He loves me. Click To Tweet
So, this week, I’m initiating too. Will you join me? Click To Tweet

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