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No Greater Love
by Donald Mehl Suppose you were asked, "Do you love God?" In response, you would almost certainly say, "Well, yes, of course I do." Upon hearing that answer, then, this follow-up question should be asked, "What is your most important reason for loving Him, and why?" The answer to that second question demands deeper thought, and reveals much about your relationship with Him. Many people, even some professing "Christians", might respond as follows: "I love Him for creating this beautiful world as our home" ... "I love Him for the life He has given to me" ... "I love Him for who He is, for He is God" ... "I love Him for letting us into heaven after we die." Many more answers of a similar nature would likely be heard. Although all of those answers are certainly reasons for loving Him, the most important reason above all else is not listed there. The answers given are not much different than saying we love our house, or, our new shoes, our job, or, even our flower garden. They are all superficial answers. None of them have any bearing what-so-ever on where we will spend eternity. Simply saying that "we love God" is not our ticket to heaven. Sadly, many will face a godless eternity because they never understood the most important reason why they should love Him...for they have never reached out to receive Him into their life. Scripture tells us in 1 John 4:19 that we love Him because he first loved us. God loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to suffer and die on Calvary's cross...shedding His blood in our place to purchase our sin debt - a debt we could never pay. We love Him for what He first did out of love for us as lost sinners...making it possible for us to spend eternity with Him in Glory, but only if we believe by faith alone, and confess that Jesus is Lord of all. All of those other reasons for loving Him are certainly important, but they pale in comparison. Are you certain you love Him for the right reason...the only reason that matters? Have you chosen to receive the free gift of salvation He offers to all? Your eternal destiny will depend on the answer. John 3:16 NKJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 15:13 NKJV Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. During retirement, my prayer is that I might serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel through my writing. As the Lord leads, my work will inform, challenge and encourage. I also enjoy Biblical theme woodcarving, Bible studies and Christian music. Watch, pray and keep looking up! Donald Mehl Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |