The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

Jeremiah 31: 3

A fourth grade boy who I work with, and happen to love dearly, tends to get into trouble – a lot. His dad is not very gracious or merciful and this boy has grown up knowing he is bad in his father’s eyes. This assumption breaks my heart and clearly has wounded my little friend as well.

The other day at breakfast, he was peeling a banana. He turned the banana sideways and began nibbling tiny little bites. I teased him that the banana was not a corn on the cob, and he pointed out the brown spot on the banana that he was trying to avoid. He said the banana had a bruise and then took the bite of the bruised area and spit it into his empty lunch bag.

I said to him, “Isn’t it wonderful that God doesn’t spit us out when we are bruised!” Tears came to his eyes then he smiled and nodded his head up and down.

God does not spit us out when we are bruised or even broken. Instead, He made a way for us to be restored and healed and forgiven. Whatever the bruise or brokenness you are feeling right now, know that God has not turned His back on you. He loves you with an everlasting love. He has drawn you with His lovingkindness. Whatever the diagnosis or symptoms that may be present in your life, God hasn’t turned His back on you or decided you weren’t worth healing

He cares about us, even in our most bruised and broken places and never does He spit us out because of them.

Most merciful, heavenly Father, when I consider how good You are to me, Your lovingkindness brings tears to my eyes. Thank You for loving me in spite of the bruises and brokenness that characterize my life. I am so grateful that You have not turned Your back on me or spit me out of Your hands. Be my healer, I pray. And use me to Your glory, in Jesus’s name, amen.

I would love to hear from you. Please let me know if I can be praying for you as well.