Taking Root
The Bible declares that, “Every good and perfect gift comes from above” (James 1:17). It only seems appropriate to sit and contemplate this after our recent celebration of Easter Sunday. I always struggle with this holiday. How do I fully rejoice in the resurrection when I know the cost that was involved to arrive at it? I find it impossible to fully prepare for Sunday without remembering what happened on Friday… a pure and holy sacrifice to redeem a wholly impure world so that the joy of Sunday could become a reality for all who would believe.
“Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die”
When I think about the fact that Christ engraved you and me on the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16) and He did so because He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)—I cannot help but be overcome with gratitude.
It is only by recognizing that our blessings have a single source rooted in a real, personal, living, and loving Giver that allows that source to take root in our hearts. Only then can that root establish itself and begin to have Its way in our lives. Once established, gratitude grows from being an occasional act or expression to being a way of life—not just on Easter Sunday, but every day.
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of love without limits: surrendering to an excruciating death on a cross even though he had committed no sin. The worthy died for the unworthy so that we might live. That is a love that knows no limits and is worthy of our gratitude—every day of the year.
Psalm 36:5-6 “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep.”
What does love without limits look like in your life? How does Jesus want you to take his expression of love and incorporate it into your daily rhythms and habits? Who do you know that needs to hear about what Jesus has done for you and me – and them?
Praying gratitude takes root in your heart and becomes a natural expression of your love for Christ – every day,
Heather