When we began ministry in Colombia, I met a 2 year old boy named Miguel. Miguel lives in a very poverty stricken part of Colombia, and his overworn clothes give off the strong odor of urine. His left ear was has been so obviously infected; each time I’ve seen him, it’s appeared to have gotten worse. Infected sores and cuts litter his body. Still, the second I saw this child I felt drawn to him. 
After I first took him to the bathroom to clean up his ear, he asked for water. I poured him a cup, and he held on to it for dear life until he finished. A leader explained to me that he didn’t think I’d give him more if I took the cup away. This child was so dehydrated and in poor health. My heart broke for him.
I soon learned some of Miguel’s story. He is the youngest of 11 siblings and his parents aren’t around much. His older brother, only 11 years old, is responsible for taking care of his younger siblings. He cooks, clothes, and he protects his brothers and sisters at such a young age. And when money gets scarce, he goes to the city and sells candy to make enough to get by.
Despite all of this, Miguel’s smile lights up the room and his laugh is contagious. And regardless of all of this, I still love and adore this beautiful child.
This is the type of love the Lord has for us.
Love that looks past brokenness and scars. Love that doesn’t care about the things you have, your home life or your baggage. Love that is endlessly more abundant and endlessly more faithful. Love that is undeserved, yet still so bountifully given. Love that will never fade and never fail.
Love others the way the Lord loves us.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
