What a Sweet Deal!
John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In the window of a local sweets shop hangs a Valentine’s Day sign that reads, “What a Sweet Deal!” The sign references the sale of beautiful heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, delicious chocolate covered strawberries, and of course those small, rock-hard, pastel hearts with silly little words on them. (Do the words BE MINE call up any memories?) Such are the universal symbols of Valentine’s Day and unending love.
When I saw that sign, I recalled a remarkable story told of a Christian man I will call John. John was studying the Bible with Ken, a man with a questionable past and absolutely no interest in a life of faith. John invested time in building up a personal relationship with Ken. John patiently and lovingly explained to Ken the love of God. John explained how Jesus, God’s only son, lovingly and deliberately chose to give His life out of the abundance of his love. John went on to tell Ken that the Father's love for us continues to this very day through His gift of the Holy Spirit and His Word that was left to guide us, comfort us, and instruct us in living a victorious life. And when we mess up, the Father freely covers His children with His grace and makes us clean all over again.
Ken had never heard of such an amazing plan. He was curious to know if someone like himself could ever have such a life. So, John told him about choosing to surrender his life to Christ in baptism, acknowledging an end to the old life of sin, and embracing a desire to live a life in Christ and His amazing love and grace.
Never having embraced faith, Ken became so excited over having the life John described. Ken had never thought it possible to be considered “clean” after all the dirt in his life. “You mean even I can get the life you are telling me about?” Ken asked. John affirmed the beautiful plan. Ken was overcome with emotion, looked up with great enthusiasm, and exclaimed, “What a Sweet Deal!”
Ken totally grasped God’s love story, and perfectly expressed it! Yes, living a life in Christ is a very sweet deal! Living a life of repentance, forgiveness, cleansing, and grace is a very sweet deal! And, the amazing John 3:16 love that the Father has for each of us is such a sweet deal that we struggle to comprehend it.
So, as Valentine’s Day approaches, you will encounter many sweet deals for chocolates, strawberries, and pastel hearts that read BE MINE. And when you see those cute little hearts, remember that our sweet Father beckoned us to “BE MINE” long ago with His incredible sweet gifts of love.
Blessings for a Sweet Life in Him,
Rita