16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. - John 3:16-17
Dear Heavenly Father,
What intentionality! You made us, watched us fall and then intentionally sent your Son not to judge us but to save us. You intentionally sent Jesus to his own people when you knew that they would reject him and have him killed. You intentionally sent him to die for us. You prompted him morning by morning to go out and find people to tell them he was here for them. You sent him day after day to reach out to his disciples and restore them time and again. You Intentionally sent your Holy Spirit to enliven and enlighten the twelve apostles to start the church through preaching, teaching and writing. You forced your good news into a world that twistedly had learned to love darkness. Your love and grace are so intentional! Make me intentional too with love and grace to reach out to others with the offer of a real relationship bathed in grace and held up by truth. I want to live with intentional love toward everyone whether I know them well or not, whether they treat me well or not, whether I feel like it or not.
Amen
Pastor Don Patterson
Few things in life are more impactful than being intentionally loved by another human being.
Additional Reading: Matthew 7, Ephesians 4, Colossians 3