Sticky Love
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14 NIV
God loves us with a sticky love! It is the kind of stickiness that we never want to wash away. Now, where in the world would I get such an idea for a devotion? Well, Jim Woodford’s book, Heaven—an unexpected journey, provided the fodder for this one.
When we rush and don’t wipe the honey or maple syrup from the outside of the bottle, sometimes we are faced with a mess inside the cupboard when we go to use it again. Our insides can get all junked up as well as our hands. But I’m not referring to that kind of sticky – or am I? God’s sticky love is different!
The author says:
The intimate nature of God’s love and compassion was revealed to me with what happened next. To my great delight, when I touched the angel, I was aware of a warm sensation that pervaded my entire being. I didn’t feel as though I’d crossed over a boundary of heavenly propriety. This experience is difficult to put into earthly words. It was more than a physical warmth; it was a feeling of home. Curiously, when I withdrew my hand, the light of the angel’s body clung to my hand, it was as though the love of God this awesome angelic figure carried was sticking to me…. Love wanted me—to reclaim any part of me that was disjoined from it. It was a love that knew me better than I knew myself—a love that loved me more than I loved myself.
I stood there as the light clung to my hand; looking at my hand; looking at the angel; looking at the elastic, sticky love of God. The expression on the angel’s face was as one who had introduced me to a precious moment for the first time…. The feeling of delight connected me to the angel and the angel to me. I long for the connection even now.
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This kind of love is inviting, comforting, providing security and a feeling of safety. God leaves sticky notes for us here on earth; sunny days, phone calls, notes from dear friends, promotions, hugs, and yes, even answered prayers. There are moments when I can sense these connections in my life but it isn’t an every-day thing. Like Woodford, I long for more…now.
Loving Lord, thank You for all the indescribable blessings that are freely poured out upon us. My we forever feel Your sticky love. AMEN.