1562) Some of the most precious gifts have come from others who have shown me genuine love and kindness, both of which come from God. (1 John 4:16). When these types of love and kindness show up, it can really take me by surprise. I rarely expect people to love and be kind to me, probably because I have difficulties treating myself in this manner. When someone doesn’t use them to manipulate me, love and kindness bowls me over.

I don’t think I’m the only one who has this reaction. Many of the significant things we can see in life (and history), within the pages of a book, or on a digital screen that illustrate these two gifts connect people. This happens because we all experience rejection. We all may be a little too hard on ourselves. When these two gifts arrive, it can literally turn your life around because these actions communicate your value.

Jeremiah 31:3 tells us God loves us for eternity. This love is not a tool of manipulation and if we can have our lives affected by the love and kindness of others, how much better is the love of God?