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A few years back, I remember preaching a message entitled "The Love of God." I don't know where you are reading this in the world today so I'm going to talk about the American culture. In America, we hear people say, "God Loves You" or "Jesus Loves You" all the time. As a matter of fact, when I go out evangelizing, it is amazing how many people claim to be Saved but live like hell.
Let's define love. According to Webster, love is a verb:
LOVE, v.t. luv. [L. libeo, lubeo. See Lief. The sense is probably to be prompt, free, willing, from leaning, advancing, or drawing forward.]
1. In a general sense to be pleased with; to regard with affection, on account of some qualities which excite pleasing sensations or desire of gratification. We love a friend, on account of some qualities which give us pleasure in his society. We love a man who has done us a favor; in which case, gratitude enters into the composition of our affection. We love our parents and our children, on account of their connection with us, and on account of many qualities which please us. We love to retire to a cool shade in summer. We love a warm room in winter. we love to hear an eloquent advocate. The christian loves his Bible. In short, we love whatever gives us pleasure and delight, whether animal or intellectual; and if our hearts are right, we love God above all things, as the sum of all excellence and all the attributes which can communicate happiness to intelligent beings. In other words, the christian loves God with the love of complacency in his attributes, the love of benevolence towards the interest of his kingdom, and the love of gratitude for favors received
The following are some scriptures on the "Love of God." In all, there are several references in the New Living Translation that refers to the "Love of God." If you want an exhaustive list, please e-mail or call the office and I would be glad to pass them along.
Exo 34:6 He passed in front of Moses and said, "I am the Lord, I am the Lord, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness.
Neh 9:32 "And now, our God, the great and mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of unfailing love, do not let all the hardships we have suffered be as nothing to you. Great trouble has come upon us and upon our kings and princes and priests and prophets and ancestors from the days when the kings of Assyria first triumphed over us until now.
Psa 36:7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Psa 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
Psa 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.
How do these above passages effect you? I want to hear from you. If you have not done so already, please "become a fan" on our Facebook page and share your thoughts on our wall.
The greatest love gift I have ever received is Jesus Christ. God did not have to give His only Son to us so that we could kill Him. And yes, you and I still kill Him when we sin. Talk about a gift of love. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ tomorrow, let us remember one thing.
Love, Love, and More Love!
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