The other week I published a post about a set of four cards we were provided with for prayer and reflection called Things We Should Know. The first of these is
“I am loved by God”
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
There are some tough concepts to grasp throughout the Bible, and there are some that are repeated time and again, but not because they are difficult, it is because they are incredibly significant.
Love is a concept that is repeated time and again because it is essential. When we go to church, we are reminded of this every Sunday. At one point one of the Pharisees asks Jesus “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
(NIV)
[Note: This verse is so central to everything that I feel ashamed to highlight parts of it].
Love is crucial to our very existence, and yet we, as human beings, are capable of extreme polarities on this subject. In some cases, we are presented with marvellous examples of how we can love each other, of how self-sacrifice concerning service to others demonstrates our immense capacity to share through love. Then, on the other hand, we have the disastrous capability to destroy it out of sheer spite or self-centeredness. For example, how many of us can go a whole week without thinking of a criticism directed at someone? It will be the way they look, dress, behave, or something they say … it is too easy to do any of that, it is by far more challenging to do the opposite.
Love has been the central the topic of films, plays, songs and books all the way back into ancient times, that is how much of an impact it has on us.
Can you imagine a love so exceptional that it would transcend all time, and forgive all of our indiscretions no matter what they might be? Do you think we are capable of that? At the same time, that love is for everyone, and everything; there are no exceptions and no limits. That the provider of that love is prepared to do so much more than we can imagine just for us?
We strive so hard to earn and keep love alive through life; we desire it, we cherish it, and at the same time sometimes we despise it. Why do we, as the human race do this? We can forget so quickly that God’s love is continuously there for us, just waiting for us to reach out and accept it. Are you willing to receive Gods love in your life?
We find love in many ways. Given freely by our parents, in our relationships, in family and friends, in how we share our lives, how we care for one another, consideration in our everyday interactions. At the same time we risk many things in its name, but despite everything we do, we will never reach the mighty height that is Gods love for us. Love, for us, is not just one thing. It evolves, it changes, it grows, and it weakens, it can feel intense, burning out of control, we can lose ourselves so easily it blinds us. The human range of emotion bound to love will always cause us problems, it has an immense variety and we probably all go through the various stages at some point.
It is sometimes difficult to love, but it can also be difficult to accept love. Placing complete trust in someone else is a no small thing, some couples never achieve it, and that can lead to relationships breaking down, but when it is strong enough and when love is true devotion to each other, you can get through anything, no matter what you face.
The love God gives us is so strong; He was willing to go so far as to sacrifice His son to save all of us. One final sacrifice, to surpass all of the sacrifices made in the past or the future. We are fulfilled, released from sin, reborn anew through the death of Jesus upon the cross. This he did for us despite everything we have done, regardless of who we are, what we are or how we live our lives.
God’s love for us is beyond what we can imagine, and we can all participate in it. It is pure, open, caring, nurturing, parental and kind.
Still think we can’t do this?
If you get to know and trust in Jesus, accept the love of God and open yourself up to the Holy Spirit you will find and recognise this love deep within. The truth is that by placing your trust in God and accepting the love that is given, freely for all, we can all find peace and harmony, and carry that within us wherever we might be.
Like The Beatles sang, all we need is love!
Lord, thank you for loving us
regardless of who we are;
thank you for forgiving us our many faults.
Please use the power of your love within us,
let it grow and flourish so that we too
can learn to love each other as you do.
Help us to live in peace and harmony
through the blessing of your love.
Amen
PrayBee 