The first time I read Ezekiel 16, I cried all the way through it. It's a story of God's heart, as a betrayed husband; with every jealousy, hurt, rage, or emotion felt by humans.

Yet, whenever we're hurting, few consider if we're doing the same things to God. Whether spiritually, literally, or both � perhaps, each of us has once been such a person who betrayed God.

Just as dust returns to dust, blood returns to blood (vs. 22, 36), 'til the pride of man be broken (vs.15) and we're ready to accept God's way (vs. 55); whatever that may be. And, just when you see your blood for what it is and you're ready to accept the punishment you know you deserve, God reaches down and loves you in ways you never dream; restoring you to a better position than you ever had before (vs. 60-63).

Once an atonement is received (unlawful/a shame to ever speak of again), you'll never forget the awesome love of God, throughout all eternity. "He loves me! He really, really loves ME!"

A love like that, we never ever want to betray, again. It breaks our heart to break His. We finally begin serving God for who He is and we learn to love like He does, letting Him live through us.

Without God, spiritually, we're like orphans left on a doorstep.

With Him, we're royalty from the inside out.

The devil lies. There is nothing between.

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss.
( 2 Corinthians 13:10-12 )(KJV)