“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

2 Peter 1:3-4

Humanity; infinite shades of one color, all bound together through the fabric of space and time. Each shade at once unique yet irrevocably tied to her fellow shade of the same color.

The palate of humanity comes together to come alive. Humanity is beautiful. Each shade bears her own scars, her insecurities, her shame. Each shade is imperfect. Each shade tells a story; allowing humans to empathize with others’ experiences and emotions.

But humanity is most beautiful because it bears the divine mark of godly love. Our Creator’s omnipotent stroke of love shines through every smile and every tear. Through every hug and kiss of forgiveness, of admiration, and of hope, God shares His heart with humanity.

Christians believe that God shared His heart with humanity most powerfully through sacrificing His only son.

1 Peter 1:20 says “He (Jesus) was chosen before the creation of the World.”

God created humans knowing they would sin; knowing His son must die in love. God created us knowing that we would fall and flaw and be faced with constant trial and tribulation; that we would we cry out together, “Why is life so hard?”

Humans find comfort in complaining together. We dwell on our past, our present, and our future. We learn from others’ mistakes. But while one shade may contain more complexity than another, it is still just a tiny brushstroke on the infinite canvas of humanity.

Life’s biggest questions may never be answered. But life’s greatest joys have been given to us through God’s love.
He’s invited us to participate in the divine nature; to experience the same love that created the world.

The colors of humanity become most beautiful when seen and experienced through the lens of godly love.
Complaining turns into worshipping, gossiping turns into praying, sadness turns into joy.

And all the shades begin to sing.