Daily Reading: 1 John 5:1–5
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3)
My three-year-old granddaughter is a textbook example of the strong-willed child.
“You need to pick up your blocks,” I told her again.
“No!” she screamed as she dumped the rest of the blocks on the floor.
I’ve learned to pick my battles carefully, but this was one I felt God wanted me to win. But how?
Erin’s temper tantrum became more intense as my patience wore thin. “God, please show me what to do,” I prayed.
Obeying His nudge, I got down on the floor. Erin crawled onto my lap sobbing but still defiant. I was also on the edge of a meltdown as I continued praying for wisdom. “I love you,” I whispered, hugging Erin close.
Erin didn’t immediately calm down and join in my “pick up the blocks” game. It took ten minutes of coaxing and hugs before Erin’s sobs turned to giggles and all the blocks were finally picked up. My threats and anger would not have overcome Erin’s strong will. Love won!
I think of how Jesus demonstrated His love for us by coming to earth. As my pastor’s wife told me years ago, “If I were the only person on this earth, Jesus still would have come and died just for me.”
His love has won my heart. Because I know He loves me, I want to obey His commands.
Show God you love Him by obeying Him.
Marlene Bagnull is a wife, mother, and grammy to three youngsters who live two blocks away.
