John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

This verse came to mind as I glanced at the time displayed on my iPad as I was waiting for my aunt to finish her grocery shopping the other day. The time was 3:16 p.m.

I drive my aunt to shop for her groceries, the bank, and sometimes to the pharmacy, or another place that she needs to go to every week, a ritual that I have sacrificed my time to for almost ten years. Sometimes, I get frustrated that I have to give up my personal time to do this, especially if something else comes up that I would enjoy more but have to cancel because of this obligation.

As I was contemplating the Scripture verse and my own frustration, I wondered, What if — God, totally frustrated with the human race (His children), decided that it wasn't worthwhile to sacrifice His Son so that we may inherit eternal life, to be forgiven for all the bad things that we did and continue to do? But He did this, out of love for us.

Are there things in your life that you get frustrated over? Seeing as God is so patient with us, we should treat others as we have been treated, and be patient with them. "He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45b NIV)

Why is it that we so pridefully put our own priorities ahead of others? "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31 NIV)

Prayer: Lord, God, as we enter the season of Advent, may we look within ourselves and pray for peace and forgiveness in all that we say and do. Thank You for sacrificing Your Son on the cross so that we may inherit eternal life. Thank You that we are able to help out wherever we are needed. Help us not to grumble but to give thanks in all circumstances. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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