We all feel unloved and uncared for at times. We all feel disrespected sometimes. We all worry about our future and long for things that we “need” to make us feel more secure. But our feelings betray us. The reality is that you are loved more than you could ever know and definitely more than you feel. You are respected beyond what you deserve. You and I are sinners and yet the God of all creation laid down his body and blood, he has bathed you with water and the word and he serves and feeds you when he invites you to his table.

You my friends are called to abide in Jesus through the same Word that the Disciples heard. In all of your stresses, Jesus bids you to come onto Him. He is true shelter and rest from your worries. He gives you rest that is not followed by shame. His rest is true peace. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Unlike the rest of us, Jesus came into this world with a selfless love that came to serve. And this is a good thing, because, if we are honest with ourselves, we need someone to take care of us and lead us into the way we should go.

As humans we often seek out praise and try to avoid suffering. We often give to others because of what we will receive in return. Jesus, on the other hand, was not caught up in the praise of man but in the word of God. He was caught up in love, not in seeking glory and avoiding pain. Jesus was focused on what love would do.