In the humid climate of the Caribbean, closed-toe shoes were something I only wore under duress, like when I had to renew my visa and comply with the Immigration Department’s dress code. One such day, I was schlepping several blocks between Immigration and Treasury in my “immigration shoes” when the toe of one shoe started flapping. I shuffled back to my car, hoping the sole wouldn’t peel off before I could get home and find a different pair.

Glue unsticks. Stitches loosen. Nails rust. Friendships flop. There isn’t a bond that can’t be broken. Except one: God’s love for sinners like you and me. The apostle Paul wrote, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38,39).

Note that list of challenges. God’s love doesn’t guarantee an easy life! Christians die; face temptation and uncertain futures; and live with evil governments, bad bosses, and deep losses. But not one of those hardships means God’s love for us has come unglued. The best proof of this is Jesus’ outstretched arms on the cross. He embraced the whole world with those loving arms, forgiving us even for the days we scorn his love and put our faith lives on the back burner. 

Lord, keep your unbreakable love before our eyes so that we never tire or turn from it. Amen.