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Haha! Since Jesus went back to heaven, we can't touch God and He doesn't touch us. So you may be thinking here is one way God doesn't express or receive love -- physical touch. And we certainly have to dig a bit harder into the Scriptures to see how God physically touches our lives. But how we touch our Lord is simple. Matthew 25 is a poetic passage about how our interactions with others links us to Christ. When we hug our spouse when they don't deserve it or kiss our children (even though they are being little pills today) or lay a comforting hand on those who simply need to know someone cares -- we touch Christ. In return, our Savior touches us the same way. When our friend gives us a hug (even though we are being a little pill today) -- that's God. Or our kids kisses us goodbye, even though we just yelled at them for something they didn't do -- God is there. And when our spouse rubs our back even though we just took last cup of coffee -- our Lord is reaching out to touch us using human hands.  God, undeniably, expresses His love toward us in the form of gifts. In fact, if we were to list all God's gifts we would be here until Christ returns. The sunshine, the raindrops, and the world that flourishes under both (Matthew 5:45). Riches, wealth, and our heritage (Ecclesiastes 5:19). The ability to eat, drink, and work (Ecclesiastes 3:13). Every spiritual blessing, the Holy Spirit, eternal life, and gifts to serve (Ephesians 1:3, Acts 8:20, Romans 6:23, and 1 Peter 4:10). The Lord is indeed the giver of all good things. And yet, God humbles Himself to accept back from us what He has already given (1 Chronicles 29:14). The Almighty encourages you and me to express our love for Christ in the form of gifts! He desires to hear our gifts of joy and praise (Psalm 27:6), smell our sacrifices of skill and service (Philippians 4:18), and receive our tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-10). How great is our God's patience and love that He would receive our unworthy presents with pleasure!   We've all seen the books on love languages. But what is God's love language? Words of affirmation? Gifts? Physical touch? Quality time? Acts of service?
The Psalms make a strong case for words as God's love language. As a book, it is 150 chapters of written words in the format of songs and poetry. "I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You." -- Psalm 138:1 These chapters discuss and direct our words toward God in personal worship and corporate adoration. "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." -- Psalm 95:6 And the Psalms records numerous declarations made for the benefit of others. "I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed." -- Psalm 119:46 The Psalms demonstrate that God receives and desires to hear our love through our words those written, those spoken, even those thought. The air smelled fresh. A cool breeze brushed the damp desert sand. I was out running, and the ants were working hard underneath my feet. As I danced over the diligent ants, I realized as long as I was looking at the ants I was missing out on so much more. The golden storm clouds, the vibrant cactus blossoms, and everything else outside the feet square feet in front of me was lost as long as I focused on the ants. How often do we do this in life and to God? We hone in on our personal situations. Our thoughts, our energy concern only our suffering, loss or even, our successes and loves. But it's "me", all the time. If all we are looking at is our own pathways is it surprising that we grow bored or discouraged? Or hopeless? That we doubt God's love or presence or strength? Or that we drift away from our Savior? But when we look up, we see the glory of God -- His person and work. We experience the truth of God's working in the lives of those around us, and before us. Instead of trying to make ourselves a life, we grow closer to the Author of Life. That's worth looking for. So, no more ants for a while -- let's look up.  |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
October 2024
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