THE DEPTH OF GOD’S LOVE

1 John 4:16 New Living Translation

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

       From scripture we recognize that God’s love is faithful throughout all generations. His passionate pursuit of sinners in spite of their rebellious indifference shows us the depth of his love.

If we go back into the book of Exodus we can find the Lord speaking to Moses from a cloud, telling him about the nature and longsuffering of his love for men.

Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty.” ⁽¹⁾

       God’s love for us is so gracious and compassionate that he holds off being angry against us.  While Exodus tells us there is a slowness to his anger, Peter’s second letter to believers mentions slowness regarding God’s promises.  It might seem that his promises take forever to be fulfilled, especially the promise of his return; however, there are specific reasons he isn’t in a hurry.  First of all, time means nothing to the Lord: “…a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” ⁽²⁾ Secondly, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”  ⁽³⁾

       To know God, I mean truly know him in a personal sense; we must meet with him daily and strive to acquire his characteristics as exhibited by his Son, Jesus.  Once you have begun that process, because it is a process, not instantaneous, you will understand his merciful love for you and know that nothing can make him NOT love you.  That alone should compel you to love him back with all your being.  It should compel you to live a life that is pleasing to him and that shows the world there is a God and he is living in you.  Let his love light shine out of you each day as you go about your business.  You can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life if you do.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Reformation Study Bible.

⁽¹⁾ Exodus 34:5-7a New Living Translation

⁽²⁾ 2 PETER 3:8 NLT

⁽³⁾ 2 Peter  3:9 NLT