KNOCKING THE WIND OUT- GOD INTERLUDES “LOVING”

This is February.*Sigh* It just hit me today that the rampant theme rabidly displayed in every grocery store and card shop will be blood-red hearts, offensively and unnaturally arranged flowers and chubby, petite, bare-naked angels. I know, I know. It is meant to represent romance, undying love and sweet devotion. However, it seems to subtract the essence of God's meaning and intent for love.

God's intent and purpose is described clearly and succinctly in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” The entire focus of the Word of God is summed up here, not just because this is offered to believers but because it is offered to everyone.

One of my Bible commentaries states, “God's love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here, God's actions defined the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships—when you love someone, you are willing to sacrifice dearly for that person. Sacrificial love expresses itself without assurance that the love will be returned in kind.” The timing of that love was highlighted by Paul's words, “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

Imagine giving up your very life for those who deny you, do not know or seek you, or disparage you! Jesus did that…expecting nothing in return. Adrian Rogers once said, “A man will go to hell unsaved, but he will never go unloved.” God's purpose in Jesus was to demonstrate through Jesus what love needs to look like on earth.

Now I realize that many, many people enjoy the hearts and flowers version of love…and there is a big draw to that because it appeals to our ever-present and insatiable emotions. However, if that is the only substance of our hearts then we do truly not love as we have been taught by Jesus.

As boxes of chocolate and flowers are purchased, romantic dinners planned, and thoughts of diamonds and cherubs prevail, consider this: God's love was so immense that even those who hated Him did not dissuade Him from providing them, those very haters, and an out for their sins! If earthly love was that sacrificial, what truly beautiful representatives of Jesus we would be!

c 1/10/2010 M. LaPointe