1 John 4:10, 19 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 19 We love, because He first loved us.
If we could choose, what would be our perfect love affair? Would it be someone who loves us unconditionally; someone who accepts us as we are? Would it be someone who was extremely patient with us, and forgave us, no matter how bad we messed up? Would we want someone who would always be there for us, never fail us, and would not be bothered one bit if we came to them at any time of the day or night with our needs and problems? I imagine we could all add something to this "perfect love affair". Well, I have good news!! We already have all that in a very special relationship!! Yes, you guessed it...we have that and more in Christ Jesus!! My question to all of us this morning, however, is this, "Are we taking this relationship for granted?" Are we doing all we can, and putting in the necessary effort to enjoy the wonderfully perfect love affair we can have with Jesus? I know...some of us may be thinking, "Uh, but I'm not perfect, so wouldn't that make it an imperfect love affair?" Humanly speaking, we would be correct. However, praise be to God that in Jesus we have been declared "not guilty", and our perfect love affair with Jesus is dependent on His righteousness, not ours. Knowing that we have such a One who loves us so perfectly, would it not be to our benefit to do whatever it takes to show our love for Him, by obeying His commands? Should not His perfect love for us motivate us to be those living sacrifices we are called to be? Should it not motivate us to take up our cross daily, love each other, and forgive each other, as He does us? Many of us waste a lifetime seeking the perfect love affair, when in Jesus, we already have it. Why? Well, because He loved us first.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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