Advent Week Two – Love: You’re worthy at your worst.

 She heard the garage door open and she braced herself for his reaction to her broken promise.  

“AGAIN!?” he yelled at her, not even trying to hide the accusation in his voice. She knew it was too much, but life was just so overwhelming these days, it was the only thing that seemed to ease the pain of the day. It had become a problem, and she was almost as frustrated by it as he was. She just couldn’t seem to stop over-doing it, and the cycle of regret and shame was exhausting. 

Have you ever felt unworthy of love? Have you ever battled a chronic issue of overspending, overindulging or any repeat discretion that leads to feelings of shame and frustration?  

He’s not surprised by your humanity. He created you to need help. Your weakness is where His strength is evidenced, and He longs for you to lean into it. Just like you would never turn your toddler away for a repeat offense, your Father doesn’t tire of your timeline, nor is He surprised by the stubbornness of your struggle. You must accept His love to be able to battle the temptation. Open the doors of your weary heart and let the Christmas story in. Just as we anticipate Jesus’s birth this entire month of Christmas, God provides a promise of hope and victory over your struggle. And He’ll lovingly remind you, at the dawn of each new day, for as long as it takes, that his Love sees the worst thing you’ve done and offers you an unwavering embrace.                                                                                                                               

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

With the kids:  

To ask: Do you think mommy loves you because of all the good things you do, or because you are my child? What about why God loves us? Have you ever done something you thought was unforgivable?  

To read: “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14–16  

To listen: Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel  

To pray: God, thank you that you see my struggle cycle and you love me anyway. Now you have to help me to accept your love and use that power to overcome this temptation. I want to feel free and honest when I explain to my children how much you love them, so help me to believe it in my own life.  

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