not simply tolerated

John 10: 14-18, ESV
I am the good shepherd. know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.

I find it incredibly sad that so many Christians don’t know their value to the Lord. They think the Father simply tolerates them. Somehow they have missed that they are his treasured possession, the apple of his eye, his beloved, his divinely loved ones.

The Father says you are of inestimable value to him. The proof is that Jesus chose to endure the cross for you. He had the authority to decide not to lay down his life but chose to do it for you. That's not indicative of the indifference that leads to only "putting up with" someone. That is an indication of a pure and undivided heart utterly focused on you and your salvation!

Whatever it takes, find a way to revel in the love of the Father today.

Let's pray
Thank you, Father, that you love me beyond measure. Thank you, Jesus, that you proved it through your death on the cross. Thank you, holy Spirit, that you are confirming the truth to me even now as I listen to the voice of Jesus telling me he is my shepherd and I am precious to him. Amen.