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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – I remember watching one of those television psychologists years ago – someone like Dr. Phil or Sally Jesse Raphael – who said something that rang true about human relationships. Whoever cares the least has all the power in a relationship.
In a romantic situation, the person who is head-over-heals in love surrenders all their power to the person who might decide to break things off. I remember my Dad saying, “If you say ‘I love you’ first, you’d better be all-in.” In a friendship, the person who is more dependent on the other is the vulnerable one. In a business negotiation, the side that can walk away from the deal holds all the cards.
In this Easter season, remember this: God said “I love you” first. While we were still sinners, God sent Jesus Christ, his only son, to the cross to die for us. Are we worthy of such a sacrifice? Of course not. Our transgressions are so many… who could stand before the king’s throne and claim they are blameless a pure? No one of us.
And remember, all-powerful God does not need us. We need Him. God’s gift of salvation; the forgiveness of sin and the promise of everlasting life, is valuable beyond measure. It is given freely to us, so long as we claim our faith.
We are told that all of heaven rejoices when a single sinner repents. When we turn away from our faith, Jesus weeps, and waits patiently for us to return. Contemplate that for a moment: In your relationship with almighty God, He lets you decide. We have free will. God, in his infinite wisdom, knows that forced or mandatory worship is meaningless. Each of us must weigh things for ourselves, and reach a moment of decision about our faith.
Consider the words of the old hymn:
“What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul?”
Remember, God loved us first.
Chris Conley
Thank you for taking a few moments to consider being a monthly donor for the Gospel TLC, a live-in facility for up to 16 men who would otherwise be homeless who are trying to leave addiction behind. If you’d like to give, you can make a cash donation by following this link.
The Gospel TLC also needs daily food and household items; things like milk, juice, and meats, and household items like dryer sheets, paper towels, and ziplock bags. They can be dropped off at their building near the hospital in Weston on Crosse Point Boulevard.
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