“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:5-8 NIV)
Humans are so fickle . . . a truism that needs no apology or cited evidence. We are all witnesses to our own fickle ways. There are so many issues that we are fickle about, but love is at the top of the list. Men buy women “things” in order to obtain their affections. Women give men “things” in order to manipulate them or obtain their attentions. Fathers buy children gifts — bigger and more expensive — thinking that such gifts will convey their love, yet nothing is further from the truth.
Gangs and cliques are organized around the idea of forming a “family” of people who are similar in many ways and will love and support each other. Such groups try to “buy love” through manipulative techniques (i.e., prestige, violent discipline, etc). Yet, such actions also miss the mark.
Love . . . what a marvelous concept! Human ingenuity did not discover it. Love is the genius of the Triune God’s counsel and wisdom. Note that “love” is germinated in the human spirit. “Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them” (Luke 6:32b NIV). Yet, there is a higher level of love to which we Christ-followers have been called.
From today’s passage note that God’s love was “poured out” and “given” to us. Even when “we were still powerless” to love or be loved, He showed his love “for us” by dying in our place. Do not miss the point that we didn’t “buy” his love. We were totally and hopelessly unable to deliver ourselves so the love of God delivered us. We didn’t merit this grace. Nothing we had was of any value to him. Yet, just as we were . . . without one plea — nothing but guilt — He “demonstrated his love for us.” He loved us despite ourselves. He loved us with all our faults and failures. He loved us . . . you, me, and those who do not love him.
It truly boggles my mind how anyone could know the love of God expressed in the Cross of Calvary and not receive the one who loved.
Dear Father, thank your for your love. Empower us to share your love with others. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the love of God,