Loved!

Loved!

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 KJV

The Context and Charge:

Paul writes to the church in Rome about the love of God. He had experienced it, so he understood what it meant. It is easy when the object of the affection is a deserving family member or a friend who is also loving; the true test of the value of love is when you are not certain of the acceptance of the love but you show it anyway. If I have to be deserving of your love before you can give it, it is mainly transactional, and is not God's version. How do I know God's version: I cannot point to anything I did to deserve it, but there is no doubt that I stand here today because of it.

I note that all the actions referred to in today's extract are all in the past tense. God showed his love to us long before we were born. We were all born in sin, so the question of being qualified did not even arise. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross was settled in the Garden of Eden long before it came to physical reality, and his death and life has now sealed eternal life for all who come. This is the only part that speaks of choices and action today. God has done all that is required for me to enjoy all that He has provided for life and Godliness. My response defines my eternal reality. 

The Contention and Conclusion:

This is love at its best and worst; it is not dependent on the response or reaction of the target, because from the very start, it is not the target who defines love. It is the giver. Each gives what he is and has. God could only give love, as that is His name and nature. As we receive this love and allow it settle and do its work in us, we become more and more like the One who loves us. We can then also flow out with the abundance of the love we have also received. You can't fake it; if you don't have it, you don't have it. There are no close alternatives. 

It was in sin that this love met us, but it will not leave us in sin. He came to us in our lowly estate and raised us up; we must now live as people who know and appreciate what we have been given. Remember, it was sin that led to that great sacrifice been offered. Imagine the effect if those who have been given this love turn their backs to it. What more can God do? What other sacrifice can save a man from the reality of hell? If a man rejects God's love, can he withstand God's wrath? I heed the warning, and embrace the love I have been freely given. I want to spend eternity appreciating God for all I have received. God's time of favour is here.