CARING FOR “THE BABE”

Babe Ruth is one of the legends of baseball. He set many records and is remembered for many accomplishments – especially for hitting 714 home runs in his career. His final game, sadly, was a tremendous disappointment to him. His unhealthy lifestyle and age were taking its toll, and he was playing poorly. First, he committed an error when fielding a ground ball. Then, he struck out several times. And because of his poor play, the Cincinnati Reds took a five-run lead. The people began to “boo” him loudly when he came to the plate in the final inning.

Suddenly, a little boy ran from the stands, threw his arms around his legs, and started to cry. The deep affection of the little boy melted the hearts of the crowd. First, they became quiet and then they started to cheer, “The Babe. The Babe!” In spite of it all, they still loved “the Babe!”

God’s love is like that. “In spite” of all of our sins and shortcomings, our errors and missed opportunities to honor Him, the Lord deeply loves us. His love contradicts the world’s understanding of love because His love is not self-centered. He loves us “unconditionally!”

This love, this God-love, is a love that we do not understand or deserve. It is “giving” love that began with Him, is seen in the life of Jesus and the work of Christ, and must be reflected in our lives. Unless we show that love to others, they will not understand God’s love.

Prayer: Help us, Savior, to love others as much as You love us. Help us to be alert to the needs of others, and then help and serve them as Your Son, our Savior did. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:      Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7