Stick

2 Timothy 2:11-13 (The Message)

This is a sure thing:
If we die with him, we'll live with him;
If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him;
If we turn our backs on him,
he'll turn his back on us;
If we give up on him, he does not give up—
for there's no way he can be false to himself.

Paul's continuing appeal to Timothy presents itself in an interesting way in this scripture.

On the surface, we might be tempted to believe that God's love for us in Jesus is directly proportional to our own faith.

Undoubtedly, and as with any relationship, our experience of relationship with God will be proportional to the faith and work that we put into it.

But thankfully, verse 13 reminds us that everything is not ultimately dependent on us.

Through faith, we become part of the "body of Christ," and Jesus "can't be false to himself."

In short, God will never, ever give up on us.

Can you think of a person in this world who will never give up on you? If you can, that person must be of enormous value in your eyes. What a blessing that kind of relationship really is.

When there is ultimate trust, acceptance and commitment, there can be real freedom. In that freedom, true love can grow and true health becomes possible.

And so, Paul makes God's offer to us very clear. "Die with me," Jesus says, "and die to all that is false and afraid in this life." We are offered the opportunity for real, honest relationship based on acceptance.

Even if we give up, God won't. Knowing that truth might make all the difference.

Prayer: Grant us the peace of knowing that your faithfulness does not depend on ours. Strengthen our faith, and help us not to fail. Thank you for loving us, even when we do.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-15