We
love because he first loved us.
- 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
Most
of my life, I have had pets. Over the years, many little critters have left
pawprints on my heart — cats, dogs, hamsters, bunnies, and even fish. (Although
honestly, I’m still not fully convinced the fish cared.)
And while some people may disagree with me, I think even my “Backyardigans” — the raccoons, opossums, stray cats, and occasional fox — feel at least a tiny bit of love toward me because I faithfully put food out for them. They show up at the door if the food is missing, so they have to know who takes care of them.
But back to pets.
These animals that we welcome into our homes love us in such a pure and uncomplicated way. When you come home after a long day, they greet you at the door with excited little faces and wagging tails or loud purrs. They do not care what you accomplished that day. They do not care what mood you are in. They do not care about your title, your failures, or what size your jeans are.
They just love you.
There have been many moments in my life when I have sat on the couch with tears streaming down my face, and one of my beloved pets climbed up beside me just to sit quietly near me.
Just to be there.
They show up.
They stay close.
They love us no matter what.
And honestly… who does that sound like?
God.
God is there no matter what. He sits with us in our sadness, celebrates our victories, comforts us in our grief, and walks beside us through every season of life. We do not have to earn His love by being perfect or successful. He simply loves us because we are His.
Maybe one of the reasons animals touch our hearts so deeply is because they give us a glimpse of the kind of unconditional love God has for us every single day.
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
- 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
And while some people may disagree with me, I think even my “Backyardigans” — the raccoons, opossums, stray cats, and occasional fox — feel at least a tiny bit of love toward me because I faithfully put food out for them. They show up at the door if the food is missing, so they have to know who takes care of them.
But back to pets.
These animals that we welcome into our homes love us in such a pure and uncomplicated way. When you come home after a long day, they greet you at the door with excited little faces and wagging tails or loud purrs. They do not care what you accomplished that day. They do not care what mood you are in. They do not care about your title, your failures, or what size your jeans are.
They just love you.
There have been many moments in my life when I have sat on the couch with tears streaming down my face, and one of my beloved pets climbed up beside me just to sit quietly near me.
Just to be there.
They show up.
They stay close.
They love us no matter what.
And honestly… who does that sound like?
God.
God is there no matter what. He sits with us in our sadness, celebrates our victories, comforts us in our grief, and walks beside us through every season of life. We do not have to earn His love by being perfect or successful. He simply loves us because we are His.
Maybe one of the reasons animals touch our hearts so deeply is because they give us a glimpse of the kind of unconditional love God has for us every single day.
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
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