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

“You are so good to me. Thanks for being good to me.” My patient says this to me with a smile as she leaves my office. These simple words were said by a woman who sustained multiple episodes of sexual abuse from men both within her family and outside. What made her statement so precious was that all I did was treat her with respect and dignity, showing her sincere kindness. As far as she was concerned, I showed her a form of love.

What does the word “Love” mean to you? Feelings are involved, but is it just a feeling? In his book, The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis gives a beautiful illustration of the different manifestations of Love that he believes exist in this world. He also discusses Charity, the generosity that comes from loving. God so loved the world that this love compelled Him to give to the world the best gift that He could give to re-establish the intimacy that once existed between Him and humanity. This dark world is in desperate need of a touch from God. It needs to know that there is a love that does not abuse, neglect, abandon, forget, or harm.

Be encouraged knowing that you are ambassadors of God’s indescribable, immeasurable grace and charity.