When Life Gives You Tangerines

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” — 1 John 3:1

Have you watched “When Life Gives You Tangerines”? This Korean drama has captured hearts worldwide, currently boasting the highest rating for a K-drama on IMDB. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend adding it to your watchlist.

In one of the most moving scenes, we witness a profound moment between Geum Myeong and her father, Gwan Sik. As they watch the sunrise together, Geum Myeong has a revelation about her father’s sacrifices. She tells him, “Don’t be my dad in the next life. Don’t suffer, dad.” Her words come from a place of newfound understanding—seeing how he’s always risen before her, worked tirelessly, and given her “120 out of 100 things” he owns.

When her father responds, “Suffer? What suffer? Not even once did I suffer, thanks to you,” we glimpse something extraordinary—sacrifice transformed by love.

This exchange mirrors our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Like Gwan Sik, God doesn’t view His care for us as a burden. What we might perceive as divine sacrifice, God sees as the natural expression of His love.

God is a father who never stops working until all His children are safely home with Him. Like the father who rises before dawn each day, our Heavenly Father’s love is relentless and unwavering. He searches for the lost, tends to the wounded, and waits with open arms for the prodigal. As Jesus taught in the parable of the lost sheep, He will leave the ninety-nine to find the one, never resting until all are gathered safely in His fold.

In Romans 8:32, we’re reminded: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” God’s ultimate sacrifice wasn’t a burden to Him because of His love for us.

Today, take a moment to ‘watch the sunrise’ with your Heavenly Father. Notice His presence beside you, His hand in your life. And perhaps, like Geum Myeong, you’ll see with fresh eyes just how much you are loved.

Reflection questions:
When have you felt like a burden to God, and how does this father’s perspective change how you might view your relationship with your Heavenly Father?

Prayer
Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who never tires of loving us. You are always present, always working on our behalf.

Open our eyes to see ourselves as You see us—not as problems to solve, but as beloved children You delight in.
Thank You that You never stop working until all Your children are safely home. May we rest in the assurance of Your relentless love and extend that same love to others who need to know You.

As we face each new day, help us to remember the father who said, “I wasn’t tired at all because you were there. Not even once.” May this glimpse of earthly love point us to Your perfect love that sustains us always.

In Your precious name we pray,
Amen.