March 27 Home Communicator – What do you think of when you hear the word reckless? Perhaps, like mine, your mind jumps to a reckless driver; someone who throws caution to the wind and is completely out of control. But would you ever associate reckless with the word love?
Currently in first grade, we’ve been listening to a song called Reckless Love by Cory Asbury. The song speaks of the “overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.” The way God loves us is so sacrificial that it seems almost foolish in the all-about-me world we live in today.
Last week, as we were talking during our Bible story time about Jesus being arrested, we read these verses from Luke 22:49-51:
When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
A small voice piped up from the carpet: “Why would Jesus do that? Why would he fix the person who is arresting him?”
Great question. Sounds like a pretty reckless way of loving to me. Love your enemies. Help those who hurt you. Respond with love when someone has done you wrong.
During Holy Week, we reflect on the suffering and pain of Jesus as He gave his life for us. Why would Jesus do that? We fall short of His love over and over again, and yet He still went to the cross and recklessly responded in love. Can we find ways to love like that?
As teachers, we start the day with a plan for what we are going to teach, but sometimes the Holy Spirit intervenes and opens our eyes and hearts to something we didn’t expect—often working through the students in our classrooms. Praise God for these moments where little children grow closer to Him!
Sincerely,
Tricia Kiepert, 1st Grade Teacher