God is Love

1 John 4:7-10
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

This week has been a tough one. I've been in prayer—a lot. For dear friends who have physical ailments, surgeries and recoveries. For grandchildren and children who need some extra special care. For Tim and I as we let go of one of our best friends, our dog Tater. I don't really know how to say goodbye to our dog. He came to us as the sweetest little puppy. Now fifteen years later, yes that's a long time for a big dog, his body is giving out. But when I look into his face, I see that puppy who stole my heart. Some folks won't understand losing a pet, but many will. He's been part of our family, a comfort at times and a buddy always. The same grief we experience for a loved one has been pounding me ever since we knew he'd be gone soon. I've been angry, sad, relieved, comforted, all those emotions and sometimes all at once. But the one thing I know...we have wonderful memories with a fabulous pet. He protected and loved us.

I don't know if dogs will be in heaven. They are part of God's creation, so I hope they are. But even if they aren't, I'm thankful God made them for us here. Tater has loved us unconditionally. He's given us a glimpse of the bigger love God has for us. I've learned a lot of things from my dog, but the best lesson is love. His love is pure, without manipulation or selfish ambition.

God's love, the purest love, reaches across the universe to every person. Through his love he sacrificed his son, Jesus, so our sins would be forgiven. That had to be hard. His own son. Think about that. God's love is so huge we can't comprehend it. How can he love me, a sinner? Not just love, but forgive. He loves and wants to be loved back. 

Love God and love people. There is no greater commandment.