Forty years ago, Ford Motor Company developed a slogan, ‘Built Ford Tough,’ highlighting their quality, durability, and strength. GenXers like me were bombarded by the message. We didn’t have a way to stop its assault. Either you pressed the magical mute button, or you turned it off. But one thing was clear. Ford trucks were built tough.

Like Ford trucks, humans are designed to be durable, strong, and the highest quality a caring God created to populate our world and care for each other.

“God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he had created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 GNT

When was the last time we said out loud in front of a mirror the words, “I am loved and worthy of love,” and meant it? When was the last time we said those words to anyone who wasn’t family or a friend, expressing our deep love and understanding for another person? Have you ever said those words and meant them? I find it’s easy to say, harder to really mean it.

We were created specifically for building and strengthening relationships with one another after cultivating a relationship with the God of the universe, the creator of everything in and around our world. Jesus loved us first, showing us precisely how to do those things we cannot do alone. Without God’s spirit guiding us, we cannot love people as we should.

I am ‘guilty as charged’ when it comes to not loving others as I should. I own that because it’s TOUGH just like taking responsibility for the words spewing from my mouth. I say it, and I think I mean it. But it’s too easy to get angry and criticize someone for not behaving the way I think they should. It’s much harder to hold myself in check, take a deep breath, and let someone else curse and scream at me about something I have zero control over. Or I can apologize for my abhorrent behavior and do my best to make amends.

“I hear the Lord saying, ‘I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!”
Psalms 32:8-9 TPT

Are you willing to let God’s guidance lead you in ways you’ve never gone before?