Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. COMMENTARY PEARL Maybe you've seen this favorite meme of mine: The scene is an elementary school gym, where classmates are lined up on risers to perform a music program. The students are dressed in their best and are generally paying attention. But the group as a whole is not where my attention lands. Up front, one little girl cannot stop the music from taking hold of her. Bouncing to the beat, hands clapping, body swaying, utterly comfortable and uninhibited - she's living her best life. Because she isn't seeking attention, her innocence is disarming. Unmanufactured, pure joy moves her. She can't keep it to herself, and I can't hold back a smile. That little girl strikes me as the image of what the Lord desires for us all. First, He appears to us. Then, He affirms His love - an everlasting love that draws us to Him. And it doesn't just draw us; it draws us with unfailing kindness. This love purifies and rebuilds us and doesn't quit prematurely. Through this process, Jesus prepares us for fresh joy and celebration. When life gets hard and we need Him to rebuild us again, He will do it again. His gracious heart toward us is worthy of our uninhibited joy - a faith that freely dances. Erin Keeley Marshall Faith Step: Listen to a favorite song that brings you joy. Dance as you thank Jesus for His love and grace that builds us up, again and again. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] COMMENTARY It Was Love Many people have difficulty believing God is a God of love. 'How could He be," they ask, "when the world is filled with so much suffering and evil?" It is not an easy issue - but if you really want to know the reality of God's love, look at the Cross. It was love, divine love, that made Christ endure the Cross, despising the shame. It was love that restrained Him when He was falsely accused of blasphemy and led to Golgotha to die with common thieves. He raised not a hand against His enemies. It was love that kept Him from calling legions of angels to come to His defense. It was love that made Him, in a moment of agonizing pain, pause and give hope to a repentant sinner who cried, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). It was love that caused Jesus to lift His voice and pray, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). Does God love us? Yes - and the proof is the Cross. [Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Jeremiah 31:3 - ALREADY LOVED. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220702-0814.html Jeremiah 31:3 - Comprehending the Love of God. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200416-0940.html John 3:16 - LOVE SUPREME! http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211206-0816.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/