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)
This being Valentine’s week, I want to use all three of our articles this week to encourage you with the truth of the deepest need of every human heart: a love that will last . I will present this amazing, unwavering love under these three headings: Loved in the Past; Loved in the Present; Loved in the Promised Future. But before you read on, read John 3:16 above once again, but this time, substitute your name for “the world.” Read it aloud . . . and let that truth set you free. “For God so loved . . .” YOU!
Loved in the Past
Because God is eternal and God is love, His love is eternal. That means God has loved you from eternity past. There has never been a time when God did not love you. Take a look at these passages of Scripture that establish this truth beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children. (Psalm 103:17)
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:26)
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed. (Isaiah 54:10)
He chose us in [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will . . . (Ephesians 1:4-5)
The everlasting love that God has lavished on you remains constant throughout every season of life – in good times and in bad . . . for richer and poorer . . . in sickness and in health. And that includes those seasons when you are not demonstrating your love back to God.
Remember, God’s everlasting love loves you always. God’s everlasting love loves you best. God’s everlasting love loves you perfectly. God’s everlasting love loves you most. God’s everlasting love loves you unconditionally. And God’s everlasting love loves you first – “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
I’l tell you more about God’s great love for you on Wednesday!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 