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God's Remarkable Love

God’s Remarkable Love BY Malusi Skunyana

Read John 3:16 and 1 John 3:1, 2

JOHN 3:16 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.

1 JOHN 3:1. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1 JOHN 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 

God’s remarkable love for us is a recurrent theme throughout the Bible. Life could not be worth living if we did not have this assurance that God loves us so much that He gave His Son to die for us, so that we may be adopted into the family of God and have hope of eternal life. When we experience suffering, disappointment and loss this everlasting truth of God’s amazing love for us is a pillar of strength.

The Bible tells the wonderful story of redemption, how when man had fallen in sin God never destroyed him but made a provision for his salvation by giving up His Son to die for him. It was love that led God to make such a generous sacrifice for undeserving sinners. When man stood condemned and could not help himself God’s dear Son came to our world to seek and to save the sinner. By His life and death Jesus demonstrated that God’s love for us is stronger than death. God invested His resources in the plan of salvation, leaving nothing undone that was necessary, in order for man to be redeemed from eternal death and restored to his heavenly Father.

The way has been made open for those who believe in God and His Son Jesus Christ to receive pardon for their sins and have the assurance of eternal life. God has extended His grace to everyone, but it is only those who respond by faith in His dear Son who will enjoy the benefits of grace. God cannot save us in spite of ourselves; we need to respond to His offer of grace by repentance, and claim His gifts by faith.

Human language fails to adequately explain the wonder of God’s love for undeserving sinners. This love is too deep, too wonderful, to be explained in human terms. Hence the apostle John simply calls on everyone to “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” The apostle is suggesting personal experience; everyone needs to have a firsthand experience of God’s love and grace.

In Jesus the repentant sinner is adopted as a child of God. Though because of sin man was separated from God, but now because of grace those who accept Jesus as their personal Saviour become part of God’s family. They are no longer sons and daughters of man, but are indeed children of the Almighty God – heirs to God’s riches and glory. Jesus’ death has made it possible for man to be restored to God.

Dear friend, in this life we may experience hardships; we may go through trials and tribulations; yet we are not alone. Our heavenly Father loves and cares for us. Friends may forsake us, our loved ones may disappoint us, but God will never leave us, His love for us will never fail. Perhaps you feel unloved and unappreciated, and no one seems to care about you. Perhaps you are longing for something better, you need peace of mind, and you need love. I am pleased to tell you that there is someone who cares about you, and not only that, but He also loves you deeply. God loves you, and He claims you as His child. May you open your heart, and allow Him to live within you, then your joy will be full and you will have peace. God bless you! Amen! 

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