Have you ever been the recipient of an act of random kindness? Maybe a stranger helped you in a moment of need or paid for your meal unexpectedly. I experienced one a few weeks ago and remember the immediate feeling of joy whenever I received the person’s kindness that I in no way deserved or even anticipated.
While I was blessed to have amazing parents who follow God and raised me in the church, it wasn’t until my later years of college when I started to grasp the significance of God’s grace through the cross. And if I’m being really honest, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. While I was still living a life of independence, pride, and selfishness, Christ died for me…for all of us. And He didn’t wait to give Himself up as a sacrifice for me until I attended church a certain number of times or until I read through the Bible, no, He loved me first. He loved us first before giving us a chance to earn His love, prove ourselves worthy, or even surrender our lives over to Him. Praise God that He loved us first! A contagious gift we get to radiate and share with others.
Lord, please help me grow in my understanding of Your sacrificial love. Please show me who in my life I need to love first, regardless of merit or reciprocation. Thank You for Your free gift we get to celebrate this Easter season!