The handsome bachelor holds the final red rose and gazes into the last contestant’s lovely eyes. Apparently he has been undistracted by the cameras and the other 25 bachelorettes he did not choose. He assures her, “I’m going to choose you, every time.” That is not only a romantic line, it has to be true if his love is true. Experts often assert that love is not a feeling, but a decision. What may begin as a feeling matures into an everlasting choice to love and commit deeply. Spouses and parents know that. Pastors and teachers preach it. The key is to know it, share it and show it.
God is our most beautiful role model for love. He chooses us, He died for us, He lives for us. Pastor Scott is preaching from Jude, who opens his letter, “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” Love in abundance…we can love because we are loved extravagantly by God and held by Jesus. We don’t have to give someone a rose to proclaim our love. We have to live our decision. The recipients of our choice need to see that love in action through us. Even strangers benefit when they see God’s mercy, peace and love displayed toward them. Loved ones and strangers alike will hopefully feel special and chosen, but they will know we are Christians by our love. God chooses us and we choose Him, every time. ~Tracy