Recently, I heard a woman sharing of a beautiful China set she owns that she brings out only around the holidays. This China set has been passed down from generation to generation, therefore, it is highly treasured in her family. Over Christmas, she hosted a dinner where her parents and other family members were present. After dinner, she started rinsing the dishes and accidentally knocked some plates to the floor! She tightly closed her eyes as she heard the glass plates falling to the ground. When she opened her eyes, she saw that six of these beautiful plates had shattered, with no hopes of being repaired. While she was still processing what had just happened, she heard her mom yell from the living room, “I love you more than those plates!”

This woman went on to share that this has been something her mom has done since they were young children. Whenever they came home with a bad grade, or made poor decisions, her mom’s response was always, “I love you more than…” Although their bad choices often came with natural consequences, she and her siblings grew with the certainty that their mom’s love for them was unconditional and was not influenced by their mistakes.

This is such a beautiful reminder of God’s love for us. He knows we are human and will often make mistakes, but we can come before him confidently knowing that His love for us is unchanging and not dependent on our actions. When we asked for forgiveness and asked Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, we became God’s children… unconditionally loved and accepted.

As we reflect on, and experience this love, may our goal be to extend this unconditional love to others. Whether it be our children, spouses, co-workers, church family, or a neighbor we just met, may we be quick to give grace and demonstrate patience for their flaws. And when given the opportunity, let us choose to model Christ and say, “I love you more than…”

Suggested prayer: Lord, as humans, we all need to feel loved. At times our mistakes seem so great that we feel undeserving of love. Thank you, though, that you love me at all times! You accept me just as I am and nothing I do can separate me from your love. Help me be quick to share this love with others despite their mistakes, and in so doing, help them want to know you more. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Romans 8:39 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.