Yesterday, I met Shannon at Chipotle for a quick lunch. As we ate our food, I noticed her cup of tea was almost empty, so I took her cup and refilled it.
When I brought Shannon’s tea back to the table, she looked at me with adoring eyes and said, “You are the best husband I have ever had.”
What the heck does that mean? I’m the only husband she’s ever had.
To paraphrase the famous words of Ricky Ricardo, “Shannon, you’ve got some splainin to do!”
It’s been almost twenty-four hours since Shannon said such an ambiguous statement. I am still confused.
Sometimes that happens. We don’t understand what should be very clear. This happens in all relationships. Even our relationship with God.
So, just for the record, let me clear something up.
In a world where so many people think they must earn, merit, or deserve love, that’s not how it works with God.
God loves you.
God doesn’t love you based on your gender, race, profession, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, what color you dyed your hair, your political party, or your Elvis tattoo.
God’s love is all encompassing. God even loves you if you graduated from the University of Texas.
One of the most well-known sayings of Jesus is John 3:16. He said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Notice Jesus said “God so loved the world” – everyone, without exception. This includes you.
In a world filled with ambiguity and confusion, know the One who matters most loves you. That will never change.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for loving me. I know whatever trials come my way; your never-ending love will see me through. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
No matter what the world thinks about you, or what you think about yourself, God loves you.
Also, just for the record, I’ve decided Shannon was trying to be funny. She’s not very good at it.
I’m just thankful she doesn’t have other husbands to compare me to.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 