1.11.11

January 11, 2011 really has nothing to do with this post, other than the fact that this entry is happening on this date. I just liked writing 1.11.11 and will never have the opportunity to do that ever again. Well, except for 11.11.11. And then it'll be like another 100 years.

Moving on. :)

One of my most treasured possessions is my NIV/Message parallel bible. I absolutely love this thing! I love having both translations side by side. In the last year, I've really come to enjoy the New Living Translation best and I would love to have a NLT/Message parallel bible, but I don't know if they make one. And I digress again....

Moving on. :)
I read this scripture tonight:

1 John 4:19.

We love because He first loved us.

Simple enough. Heard it all my life. Get it. Strive to do it.

But, then I read the Message version:

We, though, are going to love—
love and be loved.
First we were loved.
Now we love.
He loved us first.

Wow. (I realize I say "wow" a lot when something really hits me)...... But WOW! I see this scripture with fresh eyes tonight. The word "though" really speaks to me. It says: "I don't care what anyone else does, I'm choosing to love." or more specifically: "we as believers, regardless, are going to love."

It communicates a proclamation. It communicates a decision.

Let it be said of us, though, that above everything....we loved.