“And you shall know that I am the Lord when I deal with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways or corrupt deeds.”  Ezekial 20:44

“God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

I have a lovely little book “The Comfort of Crows” by Margaret Renkl.  It is a composite of weekly essays of observations made in her backyard.  A recent entry was “Loving the Unloved Animals” … opossums, vultures, mosquitoes.  We find some people unlovable – bullying, crass, or negative.  We scorn mental illness and judge addiction.  We’re afraid of differences.  We avoid the disabled and disfigured.  Some cultures cast off children born with defects, less worthy of life, a burden on society.  Some adults would include Junior High and High Schoolers; who in turn would include “older folks”, anyone in authority.

“To die for …”  Usually referring to dark chocolate with fresh whipped cream.  Really, what would you die for?  If starving or parched one might die for a crust of bread or a drink of water; duty to country, freedom and basic rights.  Whom would you die for?  Children, grandchildren, friends.  Strangers?  343 firefighters died on September 11, 2001.  Over 40,000 servicemen died in action in the Vietnam War.  Now and then we hear about a “good Samaritan” on the News.  The unlovable? What would you do to help those you find hard to love, those you feel don’t deserve it? 

“God so loved the world …”  not just the rich and powerful, not just the beautiful and youthful, not just the well behaved and worthy, not just Americans …  but the world … all the unlovable animals, us.  There is no self-worth, no merit on our part; simply, amazingly God’s unconditional love, grace and mercy.

Gracious God, You commanded that we love one another as you have loved us.  Come into our hearts – live within us and walk with us so that we may live with compassion and mercy toward others.  Amen

Verla Olson

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party