... Deep Note ...

~God's Love~

Every now and then I draw some sketches of my presentations plans and details on my sketch pad which I show to my clients. When I present them I try to make them impressive so my client may fully appreciate the designs I created. The work should be neat and the paper crease-free. But at times the top page on my sketch pad curls up and no matter what I do I just can't straighten them. It curls back again after trying hopelessly to smooth it out. I resort to flatten it by putting a heavy book on it but it just doesn't work. Worse, it creases if it is bent back. After many attemps to flatten it in vain, it becomes very frustrating. So, every time this happens I tear off the page and do my sketch on the next one. This common experience makes us realize how the Lord sometimes treats us. On several occasions we curl up because of our transgressions. We commit the sin over and over again. We become callous that our hearts can no longer feel the pain of being separated from God through sin. And yet, no matter how hard and unworthy we are, He will never abandon us. Sometimes, however, though God wants us to see the light and deflect from sin, our human weakness makes us bend towards it. Our sin is like the recurring curl on the corner of our page. It has made such deep inroads into our life that it keeps coming back. But the Lord is merciful and kind. He is gentle in treating us that He does not bend us back by force and make us crease. He purifies us by allowing the destructive consequences of sin to convict us. The consequences of sin may be that of being fired out of your job, a child getting sick, a marital separation starting you in the face or anything that's really hurting. When this shakes you, you can't sleep. You're lonely, you're scared. "Who can help me?", you ask. "I have hurt God, will God get me over... at least this once? Does He still love me?" Oh yes, God still loves you. He does not rip off the creased, stubborn page at once and throw it away. He is so patient with you. He cares for you and me no matter who or what we are. When we do good things, He loves us with a love that makes Him happy. When we are bad, He loves us with a love that hurts Him. Rejoice my friend, for God's love is unconditional. contributed by Joe Gatuslao CFC-Philippines