fully known, fully loved

John 10:14-15, NIV
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

We have two amazing dogs - both Newfoundlands - called Baloo and Daisy. Before that we spent nine and a half years as the servants of another extraordinary Newfie named Harvey. The fascinating thing about dogs is that although they can’t process complex sentences, they CAN learn around 250 words and hear and understand intonation. The words and tone we use with our dogs help them to work out who we are and what matters to us.

Baloo and Daisy know important words like ‘dinner’ and ‘treat’, ‘good boy’ or 'good girl'. They know ‘wait’ and ‘no’. They know their names, and all the nicknames we have for them. They know our voices. In short, they know us. They know that if we give them something to eat, it’s going to be good. If we tell them to do something, it’s because it’s the best for them. They know we will look after them, keep them safe, and love them for as long as they live (and beyond!).

Jesus tells us he knows us and we know him. And we're not just fully known, we're also fully loved. The proof is right there on the cross at Calvary and the confirmation is right there in your spirit.

Let's pray
Thank you, Jesus, for the truth I am fully known and loved by you. Thank you that your love never fails, never ceases, and I can revel in the high, wide, deep, long love you offer me every moment of every day. Help me love as you love today, Jesus. Amen.