Love Defined

This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. 1 John 4:9‭-‬10 MSG

It is still the season of Christmas, when we make merry and celebrate like we have never done before all year round. It is important to keep in mind the essence of the season, so we do not end up exalting the day over and above the reason for Life itself. We can get so caught up in the outward effect of the season, and forget that beyond the day, Life himself is the reason why we celebrate. He could have been born on any day of the year; we only take this season as a remembrance of  the greatest gift ever.

Why is the gift the greatest sign of love? Because with it, redemption and eternal life is sealed. We had lost it, wandered away from God and gone our own way, we had rejected God and held on to our own human devices and means. However, God's love would not let go. How do we know this?

Today's extract lays the foundation: first, His love did not need a reason or justification; he loved us at a time we did not even deserve it. We couldn't earn it, we couldn't strive for it. He just had to give it to us, clearing the way for us so we could approach him and ask whatever we desired. Secondly, his love was not seasonal or tied to a particular day like Christmas, but is valid for all time, until judgment. This tells me that as much as his Love may be valid and genuine and lasting, one day, his mercy will be replaced by judgment, and all of us, dead or alive, would have to account for our lives. That is the third foundation of God's love- it cannot be taken for granted and you cannot presume it would be there forever. Fourthly, his love was shown so we could be restored back to the original plan. We were made for fellowship with God, which is confirmed by the breath of God in us at creation. It does not matter how fine or well built you are; you are a summary of God's breath in you. If that is taken away, then you are nothing.

In this  light, I must embrace the love on offer and take advantage of the Life that has been given. Remember, it is not about the day or season, it is about the Life that has been given. It is not a concept or idea or theory or season; He is a Person, Jesus himself. His time of favour is here.