Love. Not merely looking at each other with goo-goo eyes. Not just holding hands. Not simply enjoying each other’s company. Not writing gushy letters, poems, or songs. All of that may seem sweet and be a sign of loving affection, but can it not take place without genuine deep seated committed love actually existing?
A friend and brother in Christ (who works with a congregation about forty miles from where I live) made the following statement in a sermon he shared with me. “God’s love for us is not the cotton candy of gushy sentimentality. God’s love for us involved the painful and costly sacrifice of His Son on the cross.” [Mark McLean 09/20/2009]
Cotton candy may be sweet, but there’s no real substance there. As soon as it is in the mouth it begins to disappear. However, the genuine substance of God’s love for us was demonstrated in His willingness to allow His Son to give His life on the cross to provide the means of a redemption and salvation we did not deserve. Peter reminded his readers that price of redemption (or ransom) came at the cost of “the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:19 ESV)
The genuine substance of both the love of Christ and that of God was made clear as Paul stated. . .
“(6) For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — (8) but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8 ESV)
Yes, God looks at us with loving eyes, mindful of everything we are experiencing in life. Yes, He is ready to hold and support us through life’s ups and downs. Yes, He desires to have a close relationship with us as we live in His abiding presence. And He has preserved a message of love to encourage us to abide in His love as we live in a manner pleasing to Him. However, the genuine substance of that love was clearly demonstrated in what took place on the cross.
Paul went on to encourage in that letter to Christians at Rome. . .
“(31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32 ESV)
Praise God for the genuine substance of His love. What marks our love in return? Is there any substance to it? May it be not merely our words, but clearly demonstrated through the daily actions of our life!
Have a great day DEMONSTRATING AN UNDERSTANDING OF TRUE LOVE!
Carl
