Plain talk: the Father loves you dearly.
It’s that simple.
For many of us, it seems to take nearly a lifetime or an unbearable sorrow or an excruciating trial to come to know this in the depths of our being. Yet this is the love which heals, comforts and transforms us at our core where head knowledge becomes heart knowledge. Be extremely gentle and compassionate with yourself in the process. We cannot make ourselves get there. Yet we can, moment by moment, surrender to the love of the Father and rely on God’s love to take us there.
John 16:25-33 (NLT)
“I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. 26 Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. 28 Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
29 Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. 30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”
31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
Was there any particular emotion which emerged as you listened to the scripture? Pause to listen to it. Bring it into your prayer
Is there a place where you are feeling scattered or alone? What do you need from God in that place?
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.
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