Memorizing Scripture: Love

Sometimes we’re too hard on ourselves. We fill ourselves with shoulds, and coulds and woulds. We feel guilty. We believe our best is not good enough.

After spending three weeks extolling the virtues of memorizing scripture — for wisdom, worship and conviction — you might be feeling the same way about this rhythm:

You should, you probably could, and maybe would…if it weren’t for the busyness of life. 

Truth be told, the first time I heard a pastor refer to John 3:16 and everyone respond in unison:

For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life…

I was stunned; “How do they all know that? Why don’t I?”

I didn’t learn my second scripture verse until 10 years later when my daughter attended a Christian summer camp in Texas and came home rapping:

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast about my weaknesses, so Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

We’ve all gotta start somewhere. Perhaps the best place is indeed right here, in these famous verses, as they focus on God’s deep, abiding love and provision.

My daughter wrote me a beautiful love note recently, thanking me for standing by her through a difficult season. I have read it over and over again because it touches my heart so deeply; pretty soon I’ll know it by heart.

It’s by heart that God invites us to this rhythm of memorizing Scripture — God’s “good news,” his love note to you and to me. He doesn’t demand or expect it, instead he invites us to immerse ourselves, to find comfort in his love, peace in his strength and assurance in his promises:

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

Jeremiah 31:3

As far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:12

Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love him.

Isaiah 64:4

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8