How to be kind, and why you want to.

Have you ever played, “Guess how many candies are in the jar?” Or something similar.

I never win these games. Ever! So a hearty congratulations from me to you if you have.

Here is my calculated attempt, every time.

I visually add up the item pressed up against a quarter of the jar. I take that number and multiply it by three to account for the remaining three-quarters of the jar. Then I add a guestimate for the center bundle hidden from view, by the other candies filling the jar.

Every time I fail.

There is another instance when I fail.

Psalm 145:8 says “God is full of love”. (ICB)

Who is his unfailing love for? His creation. You, me, your pets. The Psalm claims God’s love is for all God has created.

Why is it difficult to know the fullness of God’s love? Or am I the only one coming up short of this understanding like counting how many items are in the jar?

As clearly as getting the wrong answer for how many treats are in the jar, we can tell when we are living without the knowledge of God’s love for us. Colossians 3:12-14

When we are not:

Compassionate

Kind

Humble

Gentle

Patient

Forgiving

Lord,

Help me to better know your unending, all-encompassing love. I can not fully understand it, just like I am unable to know how many items are in the jar.

But I know that Christ was filled with compassion, kindness, was humble, gentle, patient, and forgave when he died on a cross over 2,000 years ago.

Your fullness of love, given for your creation. Us.

Amen