By Kathryn Jones of Kendrick, Idaho USA

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

I had a coupon for an item in my shopping cart. The cashier told me the coupon was good for one day only, and that day had passed. I had not read the small print.

Magazines advertise the newest miracle drug available, but the list of possible side effects credited to the drug is in small print on the next page—usually a full page.

We can buy an item at a low price but must buy four to get the discount. Buy a new car with zero percent interest, but only if we make a large down payment. Use a certain credit card and we are eligible for rewards…if we charge hundreds of dollars on it. There are gimmicks everywhere—most in small print.

We become skeptical, because it seems there are always strings attached to things we want. That’s why understanding the love of God is sometimes hard, because there is no small print or strings attached. God is love. That is that.

Romans 8:38–39 reminds us that nothing can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sometimes we feel life isn’t going well—as if God took away Divine love. Nothing is further from the truth. God doesn’t assign illness but does give courage and strength to endure. God doesn’t create catastrophes but does send others to help with the rebuilding. God doesn’t support bad behaviors, but instead, loves us through them.

As the early theologian Augustine said, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” There are no strings attached, no small print, and no expiration date. God is love.

Prayer Phrase

“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Spiritual Practice

Sea of Light

Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.