March 18

Morning

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. — Gal 3:26 BSB

The fatherhood of God belongs to all His children. Little-faith, you often say, “Oh, if only I had the courage of Great-heart, if only I could wield his sword and be as bold as he is! But I stumble at every small obstacle, and even a shadow frightens me.” Don’t you know, Little-faith, that Great-heart is God’s child just as much as you are? Peter and Paul, the great apostles, were children of the Most High, and so are you. The weak Christian is just as much a child of God as the strong one.

All our names are written in the same family record. Some may have more grace than others, but God, our heavenly Father, loves each one with the same tender heart. One believer might accomplish more mighty works or bring more glory to God, but the one who is the least in the kingdom of heaven is just as much God’s child as the strongest. Let this be a comfort and encouragement to you when you pray, saying, “Our Father.”

Yet, while this is comforting, don’t be content with weak faith. Like the apostles, ask for it to be increased. Even if your faith is small, as long as it is real faith in Christ, you will reach heaven. But you may not honor your Master as much as you could during your journey, nor will you experience as much joy and peace. If you want to glorify Christ in your life and find happiness in His service, seek to be more filled with the Spirit of adoption until perfect love casts out fear.

Evening

As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. — John 15:9 BSB

Just as the Father loves the Son, so does Jesus love His people. But what does that love look like?

He loved Him from eternity past, and Jesus loves His people with the same everlasting love. "I have loved you with an everlasting love.” You can trace the beginning of human love. You can recall the moment you first loved Christ. But His love for us is a stream whose source is hidden in the eternity before time began.

God the Father loves Jesus without any change, and likewise, Jesus’ love for His people never wavers. Christian, find comfort in this: there is no change in Christ’s love for those who rest in Him. Yesterday, you may have felt like you were on a spiritual mountaintop and said, "He loves me!" Today, you may be in a valley of discouragement, but He loves you just the same. Whether you are on the heights or in the depths, His love remains steadfast.

The Father loves the Son without end, and the Son’s love for His people is equally eternal. You don’t need to fear that this love will ever fade or cease. Be confident that even in death, Christ will be with you, and beyond death, He will guide you to the heights of heaven.

Moreover, the Father loves the Son without measure, and so does the Son love His people. Christ’s whole heart is dedicated to His people. "He loved us and gave Himself for us.” His love surpasses knowledge.

We have a Savior who loves us without limit, without change, without beginning, and without end—just as the Father loves Him! There is so much nourishment here for the soul, and may the Holy Spirit lead us into its richness!