God’s Masterpiece

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” John 3:16

Loving is God’s masterpiece. How can the human heart, described in Jeremiah 17:9, as “more tortuous than anything, beyond remedy; who can understand it?” learn to love like God? 

I have been painting in my faith journal since 2006. Back then, my paintings were awkward and elementary. Just simple and childlike. From painting every day, I have learned how to shade and use colors. I'm no expert, but I practice drawing. For instance, it took me 2 years to learn how to draw hands. Now I’ve moved on to digital drawing, and constantly practicing every day. 

It's the same with loving. It needs practice. How can we expect to love as Jesus loves? He who gave His life for His friends! He allowed His body to be broken and mangled just so those He loved would have joy, peace and love, and ultimately, be with Him in heaven! Loving the way Jesus loves takes a choice every day. We need to be conscious that God loves each one of us so much, we will have no choice but to spread that love to others. I love what Pope Francis said in one of his Angelus messages. “Even when the situation seems desperate, God intervenes, offering man salvation and joy. Indeed, God does not remain apart from us, but enters the history of mankind; He ‘meddles’ in our life; He enters, in order to animate it with His grace and save it.”

Admittedly, when WE meddle, we sometimes or even oftentimes make a bad situation worse. But much is forgiven those who love much. We have to look at others and see them the way God sees them. Our annoying boss. God knows his heart, God sees his pain. Terror teacher? She has fears too. A father who refuses to be helped. A friend who refuses to forgive. God sees all our idiosyncracies, our weaknesses, our sins. But He loves us anyway. He doesn't love us because we are pretty, or because we perform well at our work, or because we are always kind and helpful. He loves first. Lord, teach us every day to love like You! 

Lord, only You can help us make a masterpiece of our life!