As we have lost those dear to us I am compelled to remind all of what we already know but often slips our daily attention—life is fragile and fleeting.
Not one of us deserves life or earns it. Neither can we will it to ourself or others. We cannot extend life by a prodigious desire to do so. Life is a gift from God that He alone has authority to grant or deny. It is only by His divine providence that breath enters and sustains our bodies. James 4:14 reminds us, What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
But so much happens during that brief time. Life is wondrous and marvelous, perfectly created by our Lord who treasures us, a boon of benevolent blessing. To honor that magnificent gift, we are to be like Him. Love is the greatest commandment. Love God and love one another. Constantly. Continually. Steadily. Earnestly. Honestly. Genuinely.
Grievances—like our sins—are to be forgotten and remembered no more. Treat others the way you would treat them as when you or they draw their final breath. Leave nothing to regret. Do not bring flowers to the grave, but give flowers daily. Let others know they are appreciated, respected, honored. Do not withhold affection today you may be denied the chance to express tomorrow.
I am amazed how God uses even bitter circumstances to better His people. And even loss becomes gain if we learn its lessons. And the lesson of love lost is love revived. While we will see those who passed again, they are beyond our reach at the moment. But others remain that we can. Embrace them. Love boldly.
Lord, we thank You for lessons of love during the storms of our lives. We thank You that death will be the final enemy defeated, it’s temporary victory replaced by life eternal. For now, help us follow Your command to love one another the way You love us. Help us see each other as you see us. Amen.