LEARNING DAILY

Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Have you ever taken the time to really consider the love of God, to try to understand it? Love is not some emotion that sits still, love acts. Yes, we misuse this word too often. I would like to explore this action God took for you and me when we did not deserve it. God “demonstrated” love when His Son died for sinners, for those who were murdering Him, for those who rejected Him. Consider other religious belief systems where it is taught that humanity is left to work their way to God; but with the God of Christianity He came to earth, came to humanity to provide a way to eternity with Him. The love of God is not a theory. He demonstrated and proved it through His Son.

This is a powerful verse showing us God’s unconditional love for each of us. You did not need to do anything; you did not need to meet any conditions for Him to love you. You did not need to prove you were worthy before He would love you. No, God’s love is not dependent on anything but His pure and selfless love. Despite all the mistakes you have made, despite all your failings, and despite the sins you have committed, God sent Jesus to take your place, to be judged for your unworthiness – because He loves you.

Take time to consider that. It is a challenge for each of us to consider the depth of God’s love and it causes us to respond in gratitude, awe, and a desire to walk the narrow way according to His will. Taking time to think about what He has done for you by saving and changing you should affect your relationship with Him. It should help you respond in your daily life and your interaction with those around you.

One practical way to do this is to be willing to put the needs of others before your own. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Sacrificial love – it involves selflessness and the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of others, even when it may be difficult or even costly to you. It means showing love to others without expecting to get anything in return. That is how God loves you and me. Here is what this all means. Believers can, and are to serve others by forgiving them, with compassion and grace, even when they do not deserve it. Does anyone come to mind? It does for me! Living in sacrificial love may cause you to go out of your way to help those in need or those who have wronged you. It involves paying down your own desires, comforts, and even your life for the sake of others. That is what Jesus Christ did for you.

Ultimately, God’s love for Believers provides the foundation for them to love others. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).