1 John 5:6-12

1 John 5:6-12 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  There's a tree in my backyard, and the roots are poking up through the ground in various places.  Last year, I decided to put some dirt over them in the hopes of reducing the trip hazard.  I planted a bunch of grass seed, watered like crazy, and pretty soon they weren't as obvious.... Until this spring, when I once again put some dirt over them, planted some grass seed, and water like crazy. 
  The roots are persistent -- they keep rising to the surface, pushing upwards, undeterred by my efforts to contain them.
  In the same way, the Holy Spirit is unstoppable.  It continues breaking through boundaries, pressing upwards, bringing life into the world.  God gives us eternal life, gives us love and peace, and the Spirit works its way into our lives, like a shepherd pursuing a lost sheep, and no matter how many times we turn away, God continues to pursue us, continues to press after us, continues to remind us of the unconditional love God has for us.  You are treasured, and the Spirit will not be stopped -- the love of God will pursue you every day of your life, seeking to wrap you in love and surround you with mercy until you collapse into the beauty of unmerited favor that is poured upon your life.