Living 4 Him

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.”  John 15:9 NIV

As we continue to study God’s love, let’s remember that God’s love is a sea we never swim out of.  Vast and wide, his love showers us in a constant stream of splendor.  When we immerse ourselves in the truth of his love, a relationship flourishes; forming a bond to strengthen, to sustain, to satisfy.

To refine something is to bring out the very best of its qualities.  This week let’s look at the very best of God’s love through the lens of scripture.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  Jeremiah 31:3  NIV

God’s words to the prophet Jeremiah spell out the essence of God’s character.  His everlasting love never wanes.  It stretches faithfully beyond a lifetime, spanning generation after generation. 

The word “drawn” in this verse comes from the Hebrew word mashak. Mashak means to draw along or pull or continue.  This image is a God who extends himself to us, pulling us closer to the comfort of his heart.  His love pulls us through regular routines and unknown chapters of our lives, drawing us to pathways that bring him glory.

How does it feel to know that God’s love is the force that pulls us through each day and continues to pour out exactly what we need in every situation?

“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16 NIV

This verse is a response to the people of Israel who felt God had forgotten them and left them alone.  The words remind me of my junior high days, when people would write phone numbers, math equations, vocabulary words or special quotes on their hands to help learn and remember them. 

God remembers us.  He has taken us into his hands as an engraving that can never be removed.  He lives in close awareness of our needs and our strengths.  Some interpretations of this verse reference a foreshadow of the sacrifice made through Jesus to ensure nothing would ever come between God and his beloved children.  

“As the Father has loved me, I also have loved you.  Abide in my love.”  John 15:9  NKJV

Abide in my love.  One of Jesus’ last requests to his disciples in the book of John. These words help me understand the substance of God’s love. God’s love is not just one facet of who he is.  His love encompasses everything he is. 

God’s love makes a home for us to live in.  Like a house providing comfort, shelter, and a place to return each day, his love is our center; our home base where we dwell for nourishment, for rest, for peace, for protection. 

God’s love continues as a steady heartbeat moment after moment, day after day, year after year, breathing majestic blessings upon us.  Proclaiming God’s love through scripture move us closer to God’s heart, where he longs for us to reside.

The Psalms offer a place for humanity to acknowledge and admire God’s grand love.

“The earth is filled with your love, Lord,”  Psalm 119:64 NIV

“Because your love is better than  life my lips will glorify you.” Psalm 63:3 NIV

“Not to us, but to your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115: 1 NIV

“I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 NIV

We have been etched into the essence of God’s love; a love that draws us near and offers a place of hope, growth, and security. Dive into the sea of God’s great love for you and receive the fullness of all God is!

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):  Revisit the scriptures referenced above and choose one or two as a focus for the next several days or weeks. 

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Thank God for his unfailing love several times each day.