Last night, the New Orleans Saints honored their former quarterback, Drew Brees, by inducting him into their Ring of Honor. Before retiring in March of this year, he played 20 years in the NFL and 15 of them in New Orleans.
Drew Brees was one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the position, setting countless team and NFL records, and leading the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV victory.
Having a significant impact on the city, as well as the league, it's no surprise Drew Brees received an outpouring of support and appreciation from fans, teammates, and the media.
So many people love Drew Brees as a QB and as a person. If we were to ask a Saints fan why they love him so much and why they are thankful for him, they would offer a long list of reasons such as these, based on what he did throughout his career:
Helped turn around the franchise.
Won the Saints a Super Bowl.
Gave hope to the city of New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Completed passes at a very high percentage.
Overcame injuries.
Represented the city of New Orleans as an outstanding ambassador.
A Saints fan would also be able to explain how much they love Drew Brees based on who he was throughout his time in New Orleans:
A strong leader in the locker room.
A great teammate.
A devoted family man.
A man of faith and character.
A consistent and reliable player.
Drew Brees goes down as a legend in New Orleans and it’s no wonder that fans are quick to acknowledge their love for him and have plenty of reasons for why that is.
Hopefully, we have a good answer if someone asks us why we love our parents, or kids, or spouse, but what about when asked why we love God and why we're thankful for Him? What do we say?
As followers of Jesus, we acknowledge we love God and desire to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. With that said, how often do we consider why we love Him?
Of course, He’s worthy and deserving of our love, but I think our love becomes more evident when we remind ourselves of the reasons why we love Him.
Here are a few reasons, based on what He’s already done and continues to do:
He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross on our behalf and save us from our sin.
He made a way through Jesus for us to know Him personally and intimately.
He gave us life and breath and sustains us each day.
He answers our prayers.
He shows us grace and mercy.
He supplies all our needs.
He gives us peace and joy.
He renews and restores us.
We also have countless reasons why we love God based on His perfect character and who He is:
He is faithful and trustworthy.
He is holy and gracious.
He is sovereign and omniscient.
He is the Alpha and the Omega.
He is powerful and magnificent.
Ultimately, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19; NIV). We respond to His great love for us by loving Him, glorifying Him, and enjoying Him now and forever.
Today, let’s remind ourselves of the endless reasons why we love God and then put our love into action through a life of worship, obedience, and thanksgiving.
1 Corinthians 8:3 (AMP) tells us, “But if anyone loves God , he is known by Him .”
As Jesus says in John 14:21 (NLT), “Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I love You for who You are and all that You’ve done. I pray my love for You would lead to a life of worship and obedience. Thank you for loving me first and making a way for me to know You personally through Jesus. It’s in His name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Why do you love God?
What holds you back from telling others how much you love God?
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