Our words reveal our hearts. Peter Collier’s book, The Roosevelts, provides some fascinating insight into the life of Theodore Roosevelt and his young fiancée, Alice. The unabashed tenderness in the correspondence surprised me.
TR: “Get plenty of sleep, and as much exercise and lawn tennis as you want, and remember that the more good times you have—dancing, visiting or doing anything you like, the happier I am … I do love you so …”
Alice: “How I wish it were … our wedding day ... I just long for our wedding. I know I shall be very happy then, being all your own, and you must never think that I have the slightest fear of giving myself to you.”
TR: “I worship you so that it seems almost a desecration to touch you; and yet when I am with you I can hardly let you a moment out of my arms.”
What intimacy! I didn’t expect to hear soft, affectionate words coming from Teddy Roosevelt, leader of the Rough Riders, American Hero, Amazon explorer, and the 26th President of the United States, but our words reveal our hearts! The same is true of God. God's word--the Bible--reveals God's heart:
And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:18-19 The Message)
Some days it is good simply to reflect on the love of God. His love can forgive any sin, cover any failure, and lift up any downcast heart. We know this for God is love (1 John 4:18). His supreme act of devotion was played out on a blood-stained cross--for you!
The word of God expresses the heart of God: You are loved. Ponder it! Embrace it! Celebrate it!