Why the Long Paws? Embracing God's Love

Like the beaver said to the otter: “Why the long paws?” People generally have different responses to different questions. And because these questions are used every day, the answers can often become automatic or “knee-jerk.” When one person asks, “How’re you doing?” the other person might respond, “Good. How you doin’?” (Kindly read this with a Brooklyn accent.) Or the most ubiquitous exchange, “Thank you.” And the approved reply, “You’re welcome.” (Please don’t say, “No problem.” I still haven’t figured that one out.)

But here’s a question that turns the automatic into manual and stops the “knee” from “jerking.” “I love you.” (Silence. No wait…, I hear crickets.) If the expected answer isn’t immediately forthcoming, other questions are raised, as are eyebrows. Why the long pause, indeed? It would be so easy to parrot the anticipated, “I love you, too.” But the honesty policy is a double-edged sword. Do we humans have to show our genuine emotions every time? Isn’t it easier to spare people’s feelings at the expense of truth and avoid turmoil and anxiety? Many people lead their lives according to that exact creed. For them, “Dishonesty is the best policy!”

So, down to the meat of this missive. If the Creator of the universe has shown each of us that He loves us beyond measure, why do we hesitate to echo that sentiment? Where is the “I love you, too, Lord”? Why the long pause? Are we afraid of commitment? Do we think that the admittance of our love for Him subtracts from our individuality? Or does the overwhelming sense of “self” outweigh the possibility of surrendering to our sinful nature?

Fact: God's love is at the heart of our faith. Here are five powerful examples from Scripture that illustrate God's immeasurable love for humanity:

1. The Creation (Genesis 1-2): God's love is evident from the very beginning. He didn't need to create us, but He chose to out of His benevolent nature. He meticulously designed a perfect world for us to live in, providing everything we needed for life and flourishing. He created humanity in His own image, reflecting His divine nature, and gave us dominion over creation, demonstrating His trust and desire for relationship. This act of creation and sustaining it is a profound expression of His love.

2. The Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-21): Despite humanity's fall into sin, God didn't abandon us. He initiated a relationship with Abraham, promising to make him into a great nation through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. This covenant was an unconditional demonstration of God's faithfulness and a long-term plan rooted in His love to restore humanity to Himself through a chosen people. It showed His commitment to a relationship with us, even when we were far from Him.

3. Delivering Israel from Slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3-14): The story of the Exodus is a powerful testament to God's compassionate love for His people. He heard their cries under oppression, supernaturally intervened with plagues against Egypt, and miraculously parted the Red Sea to deliver them from bondage. This wasn't merely an act of power, but an act of love to rescue His chosen people and bring them into freedom and a land of their own. It underscores His active involvement and care for those He loved who were and still are suffering.

4. Giving the Law and Sending Prophets (Exodus 20, Jeremiah 31:3): While sometimes seen as restrictive, the Law (Torah) given at Sinai was an act of love. It provided a framework for living in right relationship with God and with one another, designed for their good and flourishing. When Israel strayed, out of His persistent love, God sent prophets to call them back, warn them of consequences, and remind them of His covenant promises. Jeremiah 31:3 powerfully states, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you." This shows His enduring, steadfast love even in the face of disobedience.

5. Sending His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16, Romans 5:8): This is arguably the ultimate demonstration of God's love. As I often include in my devotionals, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Romans 5:8 further emphasizes this: "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God's willingness to sacrifice His Son to bridge the chasm of sin between Himself and humanity, offering us reconciliation and eternal life, is the most profound and unconditional act of love imaginable. It's a love that seeks us out even when we are undeserving.

   
   

These examples, among countless others, highlight the consistent, active, and sacrificial nature of God's love for humanity throughout history. The bottom line: He will always love us, whether we love Him or not. And by the way, please don’t use that worn-out chestnut, “If God loves us that much, why does He allow all of the death and violence in the world today?” Are you sitting down? Good. God gave humanity free will, which means we have the ability to choose between good and evil. Death and destruction can most often be a direct consequence of human choices, sin, and the misuse of that freedom. Don’t confuse the stupidity of Man with the benevolent acts of God.

Here’s the defining fact of God’s love for us: We’ll never know the profound depth of it. Never! Embrace God's love with a humble heart and realize our limitations. Someone once said. “He loves us so much that He carries our picture in His wallet!” So, Dear Reader, acknowledge His daily grace and mercy, and interrupt the long pause by saying, “Thank You, Lord. I love You too.” Then go and do something to show Him that you mean it!