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Hot Fudge Sundaes, 1 John 3:1, and a Lesson on the Love of God

by Teresa^(1,657) Bronze Star

Yesterday I was craving a Hot Fudge Sundae; so much so, that I mentioned it to my coworkers. For at least an hour, all I could think about was hot fudge oozing atop vanilla ice cream. When I couldn’t shake the craving, I asked my boss if she thought a Sunday sounded good. Eventually, all the girls in the office wanted one, so my boss gave me permission to leave work to run across the street to McDonald’s.

Can you believe they were out of hot fudge? This was not a good thing to say. What was I going to do? Thankfully, TCBY is only a block away from McDonald’s.

While sitting at the red light, many thoughts came through my head – a chain of thoughts that led me to the love of God.

Spoiled – we are a spoiled people in this country – how dare Mickey-D’s be out of hot fudge…..thank God for TCBY….are you seriously thanking God for TCBY…definitely a spoiled people…shame on you Teresa….God forgive me.

As the light turned green, 1 John 3:1 came to mind:

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him” (NKJV)

It wasn't until this morning that I pulled out my notes from a Summer Bible study, and was blessed.

Sometimes looking at a different translation of a particular passage and searching the dictionary for definitions brings on a deeper understanding of the text – such is the case for our passage of Scripture:

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And this is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him” (NIV)

Alternatively, the Amplified Version says it this way:

“See What [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given us [shown, bestowed on] , that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And we are! The reason the world does not [recognize, acknowledge] us is that it does not know [recognize, acknowledge’ Him!

There are three distinct words the translators used to describe this love

BESTOW = Present an honor, a right, or a gift upon another

LAVISH = Sumptuous; rich; elaborate; to cover something or someone in a thick and liberal way; to be generous

INCREDIBLE = Impossible to believe; extraordinary; amazingly good or beautiful; beyond belief

I asked the women in the class to use these definitions and make a list of what came to mind as they read.

One of the women shared with us that she baked a cake after doing her homework and while frosting the cake, she had a thought:

“God’s love was poured out over humanity in a generous way, giving us a right to become a child of God by giving us the gift of Jesus Christ – who poured his blood over Calvary –that we might live; amazingly unbelievable.”

It was her cake story that came to mind as I watched the woman pour the hot fudge over the ice cream; I imagined God’s love pouring over me, transforming me from something simple and plain into something sweet and desirable.

Does my life reflect the sweetness and beauty of God, do others want to be around me? I thought to myself. Sometimes yes, sometimes no – I need to keep working on this…

Still, why does the world reject what I have to say or how I live during the times I am a reflection of God’s love?

The answer lies in the second half of the verse:

“…Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him”

Why are we surprised when the message we share; whether verbally or in lifestyle, is rejected? I think we tend to forget that Jesus is also rejected. Many leave behind his love and gift – and therefore, we should expect others to reject us as well.

I encourage you to read the following passages of Scripture and note how they expand on and confirm the truth found in 1 John 3:1

John 1:6-14; Romans 8:14-17; Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 5:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; Colossians 3:1-11; 1 John 5:11-13

I leave you with the following questions – ones I must continually ask myself to assure I am moving forward in my faith and God’s call on my life.

1) How does this fresh understanding of these words give you a deeper understanding of how much God loves you.

2) Will this give you the courage to follow Christ even at the cost of what others “in the world” might think of you?

3) Using the definitions above, rewrite verse 1 in your own words. How would you explain this truth to a non-believer?

Read the book of 1 John – may we be encouraged to live a life that pleases God and shows the world that God’s love came at a high price.

I am looking forward to the lesson God will teach me the next time I have a strong craving for something sweet.

Go in the grace of God – renewing your mind, that you may be conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2)

In the name of Jesus, Amen!

**Seriously, is it Sunday or Sundae <<smiles>>

***Update - I did some research and it turns out that an incorrect spelling of the word Sunday gave birth to the Ice Cream Sundae - interesting.

Article submitted Wednesday, June 10, 2009 & read 640 times.

Please log in to leave your comments.

» left by Caleb (2 years 340 days ago.)

Great thought for the day, Teresa.

» left by Teresa^(1,657) (2 years 340 days ago.)

Hi Caleb,

Thank you for the encouraging words :-) Blessings to you! Teresa

» left by heather from veneta (2 years 339 days ago.)

MMMMMMM!!!! Good stuff! Very SWEET indeed- like you : ) Thanks for indulging us

» left by Teresa (2 years 339 days ago.)

Hi Heather, thanks for reading and leaving a sweet comment :-)

I do believe it was you who talked about the frosting oozing over the cake :-) I always appreciate/d your input :-) (Or am I wrong, you know how fogetful I can be)

Love, Teresa

» left by Lydia Najera from Spangle, Washington (2 years 312 days ago.)

You are indeed the work of our lord. You have a feeling of what we all need at one time or another. I am honered to have you as my family. Love And blessing be with you always. Lydia Najera

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