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Just Because

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:10

When our oldest son was about 8, we were on a road trip and pulled in to a popular travel stop on the interstate. Fellow Okies, Tom and Judy Love, own a chain of stores in 41 states, but our little guy didn’t know that. As I filled up the minivan with gas, he said, “Dad, why do they call it Love’s?” Without missing a beat I said, “Because unconditional positive regard wouldn’t fit on the sign.”

It got me thinking, though. If God owned a chain of travel stops He’d probably call it Love’s too. After all, unconditional positive regard is HIS thing. The Bible doesn’t mince words; it just comes right and says it: “God is Love.”❤️ – 1 John 4:8

Wait just a minute! God DOES own a chain of travel stops. They’re called churches. These are places where groups of believers meet often to “fill their tanks” and feed their hungry souls with God’s Word. And each and every sanctuary ought to have a giant neon sign out front with one word on it: Love’s

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11

If you glean one thought from this post, please let it be this: God loves you. Period! You don’t need to do anything to EARN His love. He love’s you just because.

Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is an illusion.

Brennan Mannin

🙏❤️ prayers and love.

By davidsdailydose

I'm just a regular guy who was
tempted to lose all hope but did not. It was God who made the difference.

36 replies on “Just Because”

Thank you for reading and commenting, BG. There are some elements of the Christian life that are frequently up for debate. The reality of God’s great love for us shouldn’t be one of them. Blessings!

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You’re right, brother Alan. All of our doctrine should point to the fact that God love. It ought to be the first point of any believer’s systematic theology. Thank you for your comment. I hope you have a blessed weekend as well!

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No matter what life serves you, God loves you! What a profound but simple truth David. We could spout any of a thousand doctrinal ideas but it is the fact that our Almighty God loves us is the most effective message. I always remember that many years ago “God is love” was proudly displayed in white concrete lettering amongst summer flowers at our families brethren hall for all the villagers to see.
Thank you brother for this reminder of what really matters, God bless you this weekend.

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“Because unconditional positive regard wouldn’t fit on the sign.” That’s hilarious David!!!
And what a great illustration of God’s people being spread across the world in churches, like gas stations on roads. Now I will picture the banner “Love” across these churches too.

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I think God has travel stops in nature, too. Standing small among tall pines. Overlooking Lake Michigan. Watching a bird glide in a canyon. These are the moments I feel His presence and His love. Great post, David!

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Could you please post a link to the green rivers story, Gary? I’d love to read it, but probably couldn’t find it on my own. Thank you for your comment. I’m headed over to your photo stash on unsplash later for some haiku inspiration. Blessings!

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And if we break down along the highway, there is no better place to wait for repairs than a Truck stop. Way too many end up left on the side of the road! I “Love” the idea that the church is God’s chain of Truck Stops – We need to act like it more often!

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Love the analogy David. When my daughter and her new husband broke down in the middle of the desert, they had quite an experience being taken care of by a “wayside” church. The church acted like the church should. I had her write about it nine years ago when I had about 2 people reading my blog (titled: green rivers).
“Loved by God”, so true, so clear.

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Soooo…. Good! Thanks for sharing this! If our world needs one thing it is for us to be Love’s representative! They all need Jesus and they all need filled with the Holy Spirit. Let’s stay tanked up so we can help fuel them up! Great job Dave! Preach!!!

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You’ve taken my little comparison and enlarged it, Bridget. Thank you! The church as a whole isn’t stronger because its members are filling their tanks elsewhere, and with the wrong fuel. May we truly become travel stops for weary world travelers. Blessings!

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Yes indeed,a close encounter with the generous Lord.He has been gracious to me throughout my life. I am not scared of covid,earthquake, tsunami or flood but I do fear the absence of God in my life. You too are welcome.God bless.🌹🙏😊

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I love the analogy. So very true. And when looking at it from this perspective, I have to wonder why all the churches aren’t packed. Sadly, many of us try to fill our tanks with some other fuel. And before long our engine will malfunction. Thanks for the encouraging read. What a beautiful gift to know that God loves us unconditionally.

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You’re welcome. Thank you for sharing part of your story. Being unable to talk or move you’re right arm must have been frightening. But God has carried you through! Nothing beats personally experiencing His grace and mercy. Thank you for stopping by!

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Perfectly stated. God means nothing but love and this love is all we need to live an extra minute on this earth. So many are still living because of God’s love especially those who survived severe diseases and accidents.I am also living because of it.As I have lived a day when I my tongue got twisted and my right arm had ceased to move.I could neither talk nor hold a glass of water.His love is truly amazing for those who are very insignificant without God’s love. Thank you very much for sharing such a blessed post.🙏😊

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