As the principal of a Christian school I often had the opportunity to meet with parents.  One particular meeting I have never forgotten.  The meeting was with a mother who was distressed over her child, her financial situation, and other family difficulties.  In the course of sharing her trials she made the statement that she and her son had been discussing whether God still loved them.  I responded to that statement by saying that we could never doubt God’s love because of the cross.  It was apparent right away that my response had impacted her, yet I was equally impacted by these words.   It was as if a third party had intervened and spoken to us.  That is why this meeting among the many has remained prominent in memory.

Questioning God’s love for us during times of testing is a very human thing to do.  When times are hard and trials are many we feel alone and unloved.  However, the question of whether he loves us was indeed answered by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.  “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.” (John 3:16)  Jesus himself said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”(John 15:13)  God has demonstrated in an undeniable way his love for us.  Even in our darkest hour this light of truth shines through.  “God loves you” is not just a tired cliché but an eternal truth.

Question of the week:             [This is an addition to my weekly post for the purpose of stimulating discussion.  I don’t have a fixed answer for the question.  I’d just like to know what you think.]

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) what is it that a person must do to be ready for Jesus’ return?