WRITTEN BY TIM LABRECHE
There was a day not too long ago when Sheila and I were having a discussion in our kitchen. I can’t recall exactly what we talked about, but I know it was faith-related. She noticed I used the same word often while conversing.
That word is despite.
I’ve been thinking over that word quite often lately. Despite can be defined as “without being affected by; in spite of.” When used in a sentence, you could say, “He remains a great influence despite age and infirmity.” or “She still finished the race despite the crippling muscle spasms.” I was using it similar to “Despite ______________________, I know that my Father in heaven still loves me.”
If you have a job, you receive a paycheck. The number that is on the check is your wages. Wages are something that a worker gets for what they’ve done. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We also know from Romans 3:23 that we are all sinners, every single one of us. Everyone that has ever lived is currently living, and also those yet to be born have been, are, and will be sinners. That piece of scripture doesn’t leave anyone out. That sin separates us from God. But in his infinite wisdom and grace, God created a plan for us to be restored in relationship with Him.
That’s what makes this time of year so special. It’s not really about delicious treats, stockings hung with care, or the presents under the beautifully decorated tree. Those things are all great, but it’s about the present that God gave us. You see, God sent his Son to us from the grandeur of the heavenly realm for one purpose, to atone for my sin and your sin. That singular mission started in a humble manger, a trough to feed animals. Jesus was sent in human form. He was born to a young virgin girl named Mary. Thirty-some-odd years later, the man that baby would grow into would hang on a cross to die for our sins. Despite my offenses (my sin) towards God Almighty, He still sent His Son to die so that I could be in relationship with Him.
In Nehemiah 9:7, the author writes, “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love….” That faithful love is why God sent His one and only son, Jesus, to die on that cross for you and me.
Despite your infidelity.
Despite the unspeakable and hurtful words, with malice, you spoke to your loved one.
Despite that thing that you spent time in jail for.
For any and all of the things that could come after the word despite in your life story, know that He still sent his Son to die for you. Romans 5:8 says, “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
So, as we finish up this year of looking at God’s promises, how sweet it is to see the promise that despite the sin in our lives that should separate us from God, He has provided a redemptive bridge for us to be with Him. That’s the best present that has ever been given.
