love.

A poem written by my 14-year-old self that showed up on my Facebook memories.

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love. 

it's a strong word. 
a powerful word. 
a poetic word. 
a confusing word. 
sometimes: 
it's more than a word. 
it's a statement.
a feeling.
a way of life.
we use it too often.
we don't share it often enough.
it's a fight.
a wonder.
an amazement.
an awkward situation.
we can't understand it.
can't comprehend it.
can't wait for it.
can't want it.
but that's only the beginning.

what about God's love?
it's a love we don't know.
a love we cannot see.
a love we can't live without.
it's more than a word:
it's a lifestyle.
a work of art.
a wonderment.
an amazement.
it is:
incomprehensible.
not understandable.
it is a love we will never:
reproduce.
remake.
reinvent.
to send His child.
to open our eyes.
to create the world.
it is:
more than a spouses love.
more than a friends love.
more than a mother's love.
we do not know.
we never will know.
God loves the world:
the whole world.
not just the good people.
bad people too.
not just the forgiven.
the unforgivable.
He loves:
the unborn baby.
the oldest man.
the president.
the enemies.
He loves:
you.

He loves us even though:
we are crazy.
we are mental.
we are dysfunctional.
we are evil.
we are sinners.
we are unlovable.

then why?
why does He love us?
why does He choose us?
why does He forgive us?
how can he understand us?

because.
because He created us.
He can do anything.
He heals us.
He wants us.
though we continue to live:
live in sin.
live in doubt.
live in wonder.
live in craziness.
He will continue to love us.
all of us.

so reach.
reach across the nation.
reach next door.
reach your friends.
reach your enemies.
make sure they know.
make sure they understand.
share yourself.
share your story.
share your life.
share our God.
help your enemies.
help your neighbors.
be sure you know.
be sure you understand.

He LOVES you.

"for God so LOVED the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." john 3:16