But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV
The Context and Focus:
Following on from yesterday's verse, we again consider the definition of love from the perspective of the One we call Love Himself. The world has its own definitions and practices, some of which have been difficult to defend and accept as love because it does not meet the threshold of the true definition we documented yesterday. Truth is a strange concept: you can rail and rage against it, but because it never shifts grounds, in a thousand years from now, that truth remains constant, and you still have to deal with it. It is always the best option to accept the truth as defined by God, and pattern your life after that truth, so you can enjoy the blessings and benefits that accrue from that acceptance. The devil is also quite smart; for all of God's truths, he has close alternatives which look like the real deal but are far from it. The problem is that because they are easy to attain, and they appeal to the natural instincts of the world, they are easy to follow and be bound by. This is where the power of information is critical; God makes his truth known to all who would seek it, and he gives grace for all to accept and live by it.
The Message:
The choice of response to God's revealed truth is always mine to make. The consequences of my choice have already been set out, because God leaves no one in doubt about what you gain or lose by your decision. From the verse above, God did not just claim to love; he proved it. He did not love only those who made love easy; he loved all men equally, because he is the Creator of all men. Sin came to mess with the mandate, but the love of God designed a framework for the full restoration of that mandate. Friends can love themselves so much that one can even lay down his life for the other, but because it is human love, it can never rise to the same level as the love shown to us by God. This is a love that did not wait for us to be worthy before he showed it. He showed it to all men, including all who would later deny him to the end of their lives. He gave all of us an opportunity to know and experience love of a divine version, so we can know and experience him. He has offered it for free to me, by dying on the cross. Even though he knew no sin, he became and bore the brunt of sin on my behalf, so I could become his friend and child.
The Conclusion:
When you consider all the above, it makes you wonder what lies at the end of this kind of love. Can God do all He has done and given, and there will be no consequences if I choose to ignore or reject this kind of love? If i reject the love of God, to whom can I appeal? If at the end of my life on earth, and it is time to stand before the judgement seat of God, what would my defence be? If He could do all He did for people who were not worthy at the time, so they could come to Him in faith and lay hold of the life He has made available, just picture the amazing life that you get by accepting and trusting in this love. Until you have tasted of this love, all other variants are counterfeit. When you have tasted this love, you will lose the taste for anything else. He died, so I would not die. He rose again, so that His life could be the perfect template for what lies ahead for me. If He lives, I will live with Him, if I tame hold of all He has provided. The gift is given; the life has been laid down; love has been shown. The time for a decision is now. Tomorrow is actually not assured for any of us. God's time of favour is here.
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