16th August 2022
God loves us
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
Speaking in public comes with pitfalls as well as rewards. On this occasion it was the third eulogy in six months – a lot of bereavement in a short period of time. Normally, my mind is set to the task and can contain emotions for the duration of the talk. However, on this occasion emotions got the better of me – with just three sentences to go.
On reflection it was easy to see the trigger; the stab to the heart that stirred the emotions. The bereaved quote read, ‘He knew that I loved him, and I knew that he loved me.’
These words were full of poignancy and meaning and in a way the beautiful summary of a lifetime together. More than this, on reflection, it was easy to see how they point to God and His love for us and, in time, our love for Him. The mind-blowing realization of ‘love’ and where this power imbued in humans, to one degree or other, comes from 1 John 4:8.
Beneath the turmoil of emotions, the life spent, the ups and downs of our daily existence, begs the question: do we know that God loves us? It is a life changing question and one that may take a lifetime to answer. Likewise, do we love God, as we are commanded to do? (Matthew 22:37). A question that may also take a long time to answer.
Many may well struggle with this concept of knowing God loves us, perhaps due to personal experiences of human love or the lack of it. Equally, it is no small task to love God with all your heart and mind (Matthew 22:37). Why is this so? We may well ask. It is simply because we are human. It is the reason Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour died for us, to cover our sins, our human weaknesses.
However, our life in Christ is a journey of change, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ (Romans 8:28). We aspire to love God and to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, and this takes time. A lifetime.
Prayer
Our heavenly Father, guide us to understand and accept that you do indeed love us, and help, inspire and guide us to love you, with all our heart, soul, and mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Kevin Harris
About the writer:
Kevin Harris attends the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford
Herts.
WD24 7HF
Meeting time:
Saturday 11am
Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email: watford@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church