We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them. – 1 John 4:16 (CEB)
I just stopped by the library to check out a few items. Looking at the receipt afterwards, I noticed at the bottom it said, “Patron status is ok.” I have to admit it made me feel pleased to see that line on the receipt. There were a few layers to that reaction. One was relief that I don’t have any outstanding items that are past due that I had forgotten to return. My account is in good standing. At the same time, I found it amusing that it did not say that my account was “good” or in “good standing.” It said that my status is ok. Not great, not good, not bad, not horrible. Cautiously okay. In the midst of weeks of rushing around, this seemed a much more reasonable assessment than “good” anyway. I appreciated it. Beyond all of that, given all of that busyness and juggling many different needs I found some affirmation in hearing that my status was ok. It was an affirmation that while I may feel like I’m barely holding everything together, I am ok. I can handle it and I am not doing too badly after all.
If there is a moment of personal affirmation to be found in a library receipt telling me I am okay, how much more important is it to hear regularly the words from 1 John. You are loved by God. How incredible is that?!?! How much greater is it that we are loved by God than that our library status is ok? No matter how well things are going and how strong our faith may feel, it still makes all of the difference in the world to hear regularly that you are loved by God. You are more than okay, you are beloved. Make sure you take time regularly to hear that affirmation and trust its truth. You truly are loved by a God whose love knows no end.