Last night I was feeling overwhelmed with love for my dog, Buddy. I expressed this feeling to God. “I just love him so much!!” I said. He smiled, “I know you do. Your love for Buddy is a reflection of my love for you. Imagine how much more I love you! Hard to fathom, isn’t it?”

An overwhelming sense of peace washed over me, “I am in good hands.”

God continued, “Why don’t you try loving a person with the same sort of intensity that you love Buddy?”

“But, how?” I replied.

“Just try.” He answered.

“But,” I insisted, “My whole life revolves around him! How could I love people in that same way?  It would take up too much energy. I would have no time.”

God replied, “Is there anything more important to spend your energy or time on?”

Wow. It hit me. We are called to love others. It is our mission. Our reason for being on Earth. And not just to love them halfheartedly either, when it’s convenient to us, for example. But to love them wholeheartedly, at all times, through all situations, no matter their actions or behaviors. This might seem like a daunting task but it’s natural when the Holy Spirit resides in you. This sort of love, relentless and all encompassing, is the kind that reflects God’s love for us. It is the kind that people most need to see. The kind that we need to be most intentional about showing.