"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 ESV
"You've done very well with your dietary changes Hope but I'm afraid you're going to have to be even stricter if you want to eliminate the symptoms you're still experiencing," the specialist said at Wednesday's follow-up appointment following my teenage daughter's recent IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) diagnosis last year. And as she handed her a list of the foods she couldn't eat, my daughter looked at me despairingly knowing the temptations would be hard to battle. "It's okay," I said to her. "I'll do this with you." Having been diagnosed with IBS myself as a teenager, I added, "I could definitely stand to clean up my diet." "Thank you," she replied smiling. "I don't think I can do this without you."
And you know, just as having experienced the same condition as my daughter allowed me to sympathize with her, the Bible tells us that we have a "high priest" who is able to "sympathize with" us. You see, Jesus was "in every respect... tempted as we are" but He never sinned. That means He knows every one of the temptations you and I will ever face because He has faced them. And He understands every one of "our weaknesses" because He has felt them. And because of this, He is there to help us overcome every one of our temptations to sin.
So this Valentine's Day, may you and I remember that as much as our significant other may love us, God loves us so much more. So much in fact, that He not only sent his one and only Son to die on the Cross to save us from our sins, but sent Him into this world to be born of flesh that He could sympathize with us when we need it most.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the love You have for us is greater than any love we could ever know or experience in this world. You never leave our side and are always with us. And for that we thank You. Help us to look to You and to your Word when we are tempted to sin that we might find the strength to overcome our weaknesses. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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