“I love God because he listened to me, listened as I begged for mercy. He listened so intently as I laid out my case before him. Death stared me in the face, hell was hard on my heels. Up against it, I didn’t know which way to turn; then I called out to God for help: ‘Please, God!’ I cried out. ‘Save my life!’ God is gracious—it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God. God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me.” (Psalm 116:1-2, The Message)

Recently, I’ve been reading through the Jesus Srorybook Bible. I know I’m a bit outside of the targeted demographic for this children’s book, but I love how every story in this Bible finds its way back to Jesus. Every book in the Bible points in someway to the coming Messiah or to the Incarnate Words now revealed.

My favorite phrase in the Jesus Storybook bible is the one about “God’s Never-Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love,” I love that, especially when author Sally Lloyd-Jones reads it in her impeccable English accent. I think that’s the best way I’ve ever heard to describe what unconditional agape love looks like. That’s what God’s love for me looks like, especially when I deserve it least but need it most.

At the end of another Monday, I’m thankful for the love of God that never stops, never gives up, never breaks down, and lasts forever. Thank You, God for Your Never-Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love. Amen.