Durable Riches

Grace for All

Seek the Lord while He may be found.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me, With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. (Proverbs 8:17 NIV)

Small children frequently have words of wisdom to share with those of us who have journeyed through life a bit longer. Even though we may have gathered the wisdom and love that comes with life’s many experiences, our younger family members, with certainty and purity, share love that comes fresh from God. Sometimes this pure love overflows into a fearless leap into the open arms of a loving adult, or in many sweet expressions of love throughout the course of a day.

One of my young grandsons says, “I love you” in a heart-melting way. Instead of just the three words he adds two more, saying “I love you, you’re beautiful,” or “I love you, you’re awesome!” He has kind words to say to everyone. Those who are fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of these words feel wrapped in both the love of this child and the love of God.

I can’t help but wonder what would happen if all of us likewise expanded our words of love to include similar affirmations. We might say, “I love you, you’re incredible!” or amazing or extraordinary - any additional word that would wrap another person in the glow of the love that comes from God.

This would be an act of love beyond measure, expanding outwards, full of joy and honor. Let us be mindful too, that God speaks these words to us each and every day, telling us we are awesome, exceptional, and loved.

The small ones around us may not be aware of their special wisdom, but we are enriched and blessed by their trusting hearts and free-flowing, overflowing love.

Prayer

Dearest God, help our hearts to be pure and trusting, loving you and loving others freely and completely. Help us listen to the voices of wisdom around us and to expand our expressions of love in new ways. AMEN.

This devotional was written by Jenny Green and read by Sally Stovall..

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [e-mail].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.