Jesus modeled what love looks like. Starting with the Samaritan woman, He made an extra trip to get there. He made a point to stop, and when He did, He sat with her and spoke to her. He looked into her eyes, and He confirmed love.

As believers, we learn that God’s love doesn’t depend on whether or not we measure up. It doesn’t wait for us to be better people. Paul tells us in Romans 5:8 that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

When I gave my life to Christ in late 2017, I was broken, hurt, and in pain. But being in close contact with the Living God created a space where I was finally accepted and loved more than I could have ever envisioned.

As a parent, the love for a child is deep. Throughout their lives, it grows as they develop and become more independent. There are seasons when the love is questioned, challenged, and even rejected. When it has to be gentle and when it has to be tough.