"That is so Sweet"

Falling in love can be intricate.  At some point, you have to let yourself "fall".  Falling indicates the possibility of getting hurt.  When you give your heart away, there is the risk of a heartbreak.  

This month I have been writing about "Falling in love with Jesus".  In some of the posts, I have used parallels on "falling in love" with my husband. 

After Chris and I had been dating for four weeks, he planned a romantic dinner to celebrate our one month anniversary.   I showed up to his condo for our anniversary dinner a little nervous for some reason. One month is a big milestone (at least it was for me). 

The smell of spagetti was in the air.  All 5 of his roommates were gone for the evening (I'm pretty sure he paid them off).  We were in the kitchen while the noodles finished softening.  While we were waiting in the kitchen, he pulled out a gift to give to me.  A bear with a heart on it that said "I Love You". 

Now, neither of us had yet uttered those three little yet potent words.  Was he saying he loved me?  Yes, because after he gave me the bear, he said the words. 

I stood there staring. Frozen.  For Chris, I'm sure it felt like an eternity.  After I had a moment to process, I responded in a way he probably wasn't anticipating.

I took the bear and with a smile said....."That is so sweet."

(Not the response he was hoping for, I'm sure.)  Can somebody say, "Awkward"? 

We went about our anniversary dinner trying to pretend that didn't just happen.

You see, I was terrified of falling in love.  Also, I was skeptical.  Others had told me they loved me and really didn't.  My heart was a bruised and wounded mess by the time Chris found me. I didn't know how many more breaks it could bear.  Those words get thrown around so much that many in the world have no concept of what love really entails.  I wanted to be sure.  I didn't want to say it unless I was sure I meant it. 

I finally did tell him.....two weeks later!  You know those were a LONG two weeks. 

God also gave us a gift to show us He loved us.  The gift He gave us was Jesus and the cross with "I love you" written in bold bloodstained letters. 

"But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Chris died for us."  Romans 5:8

How do we respond?  Do we respond with "That is so sweet." 

That is how many in the world respond to God's gift.  They hear the story of Jesus and think, "That is so sweet"  and then go on about their lives with nothing changing. 

They too may be terrified of falling in love.  After all, that would mean sacrifices on their part, that would mean risk.  Anything deeper would require a profound response.  

Perhaps they are skeptical.  Maybe they aren't sure they believe Jesus died on the cross for them or that God really loves them.  They have been conditioned by the media and even some Christians to believe God is out to get them.  Why would they believe He loves them or trust Him? If that is you, I am here to set the record straight.  God is not out to get you, He loves you.

However, the real question we need to ask today is how do we respond to the gift God gave us.  Do we respond with a "That is so sweet"?

The gift of Jesus' blood on the cross writing out "I Love You" demands more than a "That is so sweet" response.  Be bold for Him.  Love Him.  

Perhaps your heart is a bruised and wounded mess and risking one more heartache is almost too much to bear.  Risk it.  Fall.  I promise He will catch you.  I promise you can trust Him with your heart.  He won't break it, He will heal it. 

He gave His life for us.  Let's respond by giving Him ours, completely.  Are there things in your life you need to give up to completely live for Him?  Is there sin you need to surrender to Him?  Say, "I love you" back to Him, don't be afraid.  Give Him everything.  Let yourself fall in love.