Family Focus
AMAZING LOVE…HOW CAN IT BE? Joseph Stowell
Life thrives on the crest of good relationships. Particularly relationships that are essential–our relationships to parents, spouses, our children, friends, and other significant people in our lives. I suppose there are some people who could care less about relationships, but they are few and far between.
Recently my dad said that he thought I was doing a good job at Moody. I’m fifty-seven years old and still thrill at the approving statements of my parents. Martie tells me that I am her favorite preacher. And our grown children call on us for counsel.
No amount of money or material gain can measure against the rewards that are only found in relationships. As good as the rewards are, the real joy in a relationship is the pleasure of making someone you love the object of your service and adoration. Nothing makes me happier than to serve Martie in ways that make her happy.
Relationships are the backbone of life when you realize the worst day at the office is not that bad, because there is a friend or a family member who believes in you, who in effect, reminds you that there are things in life more important than the drudgery of unrewarding daily routines that go south.
It is for this reason that I am taken by the way God approaches the matter of connecting with us. It is profound enough that God would even want to connect; but that He desires to connect in the context of a loving relationship is an overwhelming thought. Among the world’s great religions, Christianity alone is defined by the reality that the relationship between God and His people is driven and defined by a deep exchange of love.
Other religions call their adherents with no thought of love to enter ritualistic contracts of sacrificial performance of duties and oft-repeated rites.
If you ask me, I am delighted to be a follower of Jesus. What amazing grace that He loves us and desires our love in return!