'And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death not life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)
"Love divine is exemplified in our Saviour: His diligence in doing God's will and His patience in bearing it." Henry Scougal (Ref 1). Christ's ministry on earth manifested this love by His,
- Willingness to do God's will
- Bearing the consequences of obeying God's will
- Charity and love to all men
The measure of this love is shown by paying the ultimate penalty for our sins, saving us from eternal death, sacrificing His own life, dying on the cross.
'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16
'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend.' John 15:13
'But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we are still sinners, Christ died for us.' Romans 5:8
St Paul prayed that we will
'Know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled with the measure of all the fullness of God.' Ephesians 3:19
Imagine having the fullness of God? What does this mean? The fullness of God is seen in us by we showing love for all our friends and neighbours. It is a command of Jesus Christ.
'A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you that you are my disciples if you love one another.' John 13:34-35
And the measure of this love includes the willingness like Jesus to pay the ultimate sacrifice, as did the many Christian martyrs through the ages.
'My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.' John 15:12-14
It is this love that sustained many Christians who faced hardships, deprivations and persecutions from the beginning of the Church to the present times.
'Love never fails' 1 Corinthians 13:8a
- Love is an inward drive. Henry Scougal, "The love that someone bears toward God and toward goodness comes not so much by virtue of a command to which they are responsive but rather by a new nature instructing them and prompting them in that direction."
- Love is natural even impulsive. Henry Scougal "His love makes him willing to give - and even if there were an outward obligation to act in such a way, his heart would devise liberal things.
- Love is compelling. Henry Scougal, "Love is the powerful and prevailing passion by which all of a person's inclinations should be determined and on which perfection and happiness depend. The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love."
In 1747 Charles Wesley composed the song 'Love Divine, All Loves Excelling' celebrating this love of and love from God in the lives of Christians. This hymn tells us how this love from God will influence the life of Christians ever changing us from glory to glory until we enter eternity, taking our place in heaven.
Love divine, all loves excelling
Joy of heaven, to earth come down.
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
pure unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast.
Let us all in Thee inherit
Let us find Thy perfect rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning
set our hearts at liberty
Come, Almighty, to deliver
Let us all Thy life receive.
Suddenly return and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave
Thee we would be always blessing
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish, then, Thy new creation
True and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place
Till we cast our crowns before Thee
Lost in wonder, love and praise.
Lionel
Ref 1: Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man. Crossway Short Classics, Crossway 2022
