All the credit goes to You, Father, for a very productive day. Thank you for good company and safe travel as we went to encourage dear friends at the passing of a loved one. I am listening to what You have for me this evening.

Mark 10:17-22 (<<click the green)

As I read through this story in Matthew last night, I remembered an additional recollection of another Gospel writer. Here it is in context.

“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  v.21-22

Did you catch the extra detail? Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.

Now you know that Jesus knew how the young man was going to respond to his command. But did Jesus for one nanosecond (that’s one billionth of a second – I had to look it up!) hold back his love? Not on your life! It was genuine love – not pretend love, or conditional love but genuine love!

It is truly difficult for us to understand, but Jesus loves us – me and you and every other individual in the world – with genuine and unconditional love. He loves me just as much as He loves the person who has never loved Him in return. He loves us regardless of how much we love Him. He yearns for our love for Him but that does not in the least deter Him from loving us – His passion and death on the cross proved that.

Lord Jesus, may I continually be reminded of Your unfailing love for me. And in turn, may I continually be reminded of the love I have for others – how can I do anything else!

Aug 16th, 2018, Thurs, 9:18 pm