1519) In Genesis 1:26, we find God made us in his image. I understand this to mean that we have several characteristics (though flawed now) that are like him. These include the ability to make choices, the ability to love, and the ability to feel many emotions. God has these characteristics and sometimes we forget he feels things deeply. Like what, you may ask?

In Luke 13, we read about the fact that we can choose to accept God’s salvation or try to accomplish it (unsuccessfully) ourselves. Jesus is saddened by the Pharisees’ choice to reject him and his salvation. Instead of being angry at this rejection, Jesus tells us in verse 34 that he longs for them and us to be with him; he doesn’t cross his arms and say, “You don’t want me, fine!”

Jesus yearns to hold his people in his arms, as a shepherd does with his lambs. He loves deeply, and because he made us with the ability to choose his salvation, he also grieves deeply for those who reject him.

Any God who cares this much is one I choose to be connected with. How about you?