In His Love 

   “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.” (John 4:10) 

   Society has so confused the concept of love that I doubt most people really understand the meaning of the word.  We say we love our cars, our food, our houses and all the many pleasures of this world.  We say we love our spouse, our families, and friends.  But do we love as God loves, with a love that has no concern for self but only for the other?

   Looking back on history it's amazing to me that God continues to love us.  Humanity has committed so many atrocities over the years and the list continues to grow.  Yet God’s love has not diminished in any way.  He still seeks us and wants to bring us into His family even though we are sinners and do not deserve such love and mercy.

   Think for a moment of a marriage in which one spouse continually cheats on the other.  Time and time again they are caught in adultery.  If their spouse were to forgive them each time and welcome them back into their arms most would consider that person to be a fool.  But that is exactly what God does.  

   As Christians we have been untrue to God over and over.  We chase after false gods, serving our own ego and desires rather than the Lord.  Still, each time we stray God continues to reach out to us, seeking our repentance so that He can, once again, forgive and take us back into His friendship.

   We are about to begin the Lenten season, a season to look deeply into ourselves and take stock of where we are in our relationship with the Lord.  We need to fully examine our actions, our desires, and our faith during this time.  Where there are shortcomings we need to return to God’s family through confession and repentance, desiring nothing but God and His love. 

“For God so love the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have everlasting life.  (John 3: 16)