Babe Ruth is one of the legends of baseball. He is remembered for many accomplishments – especially for hitting 714 home runs. His final game was a disappointment to him. His life style and age were taking its toll and he was playing poorly. First he committed an error when fielding a ground ball. Then, he struck out several times. And because of his poor play, the Cincinnati Reds took a five run lead. The people began to “boo” him loudly when he came to the plate in the final inning.

Suddenly a little boy ran from the stands, threw his arms around his legs and started to cry. The deep affection of the little boy melted the hearts of the crowd. First they became quiet and then they started to cheer, "The Babe. The Babe!" In spite of it all they still loved “the Babe!”

God’s love is like that. In spite of all our sins and shortcomings, our errors and missed opportunities to honor Him, the Lord deeply loves us. His love contradicts the world’s understanding of love because it is not selfish or self-focused. He loves us “no matter what.”

This love, this God-love is a love that we do not understand or deserve. It is giving love that begins with Him, is seen in Christ and to be reflected in our lives. We must show that love to others, too or they will not understand the love of God.

Prayer: Help us, Savior, to love others as You love us - not counting the cost, but showing that we do care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;