To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 1:7
Last week I wrote about the great grace of God working out an obedience with which God is satisfied.
This week I want to focus on one phrase: "loved by God". This verse clearly shows us that there is a special love that God has for those who are saints. While we would agree that God displays love to all humanity, we must also admit that God's love varies depending on the people. Here's an example of this in our own lives: you might be able to say that you love everyone in this world; however, you love your parents, wife, or children more than the person down the street. Now, you would certainly not say that your love for the person down the street is defective simply because you love your spouse or parents more than he or she. This type of varied love is natural.
God displays similar love. And, as you're reading this post, I'm wanting to focus your heart on the Father's love towards those who believe. This love is so grand love that it enraptures His children and radically changes their entire being.
1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us" (ESV). Let us not dare think that we are the initiators in a relationship with God. No, in fact, God, out of His great love, initiated our relationship. If He hadn't begun our relationship, if it were left to the saints to initiate, we'd still be reveling in our sin. And, despite our deserving eternal, holy wrath, God decided to display His love towards us.
So, we not only experience a loving pity that God displays to the entire world, but we also experience all the benefits and blessings of being in the family of God. We are loved as a friend and child. We are adopted and that can never be revoked.
To say you are loved by God (in the ultimate sense) is to say that you are eternally secure in Jesus - having been given an all-satisfying relationship with the Father because of Christ through the power of the Spirit.
Oh what comfort and joy in knowing we are loved by God! Savor this truth today and the rest of your life.
Last week I wrote about the great grace of God working out an obedience with which God is satisfied.
This week I want to focus on one phrase: "loved by God". This verse clearly shows us that there is a special love that God has for those who are saints. While we would agree that God displays love to all humanity, we must also admit that God's love varies depending on the people. Here's an example of this in our own lives: you might be able to say that you love everyone in this world; however, you love your parents, wife, or children more than the person down the street. Now, you would certainly not say that your love for the person down the street is defective simply because you love your spouse or parents more than he or she. This type of varied love is natural.
God displays similar love. And, as you're reading this post, I'm wanting to focus your heart on the Father's love towards those who believe. This love is so grand love that it enraptures His children and radically changes their entire being.
1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us" (ESV). Let us not dare think that we are the initiators in a relationship with God. No, in fact, God, out of His great love, initiated our relationship. If He hadn't begun our relationship, if it were left to the saints to initiate, we'd still be reveling in our sin. And, despite our deserving eternal, holy wrath, God decided to display His love towards us.
So, we not only experience a loving pity that God displays to the entire world, but we also experience all the benefits and blessings of being in the family of God. We are loved as a friend and child. We are adopted and that can never be revoked.
To say you are loved by God (in the ultimate sense) is to say that you are eternally secure in Jesus - having been given an all-satisfying relationship with the Father because of Christ through the power of the Spirit.
Oh what comfort and joy in knowing we are loved by God! Savor this truth today and the rest of your life.
1 comment:
"To say you are loved by God (in the ultimate sense) is to say that you are eternally secure in Jesus - having been given an all-satisfying relationship with the Father because of Christ through the power of the Spirit.
Oh what comfort and joy in knowing we are loved by God! Savor this truth today and the rest of your life."
It really is such a great comfort!!!!!
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