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“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”   Ephesians 2:4-5

Have you ever heard someone say, “Oh, she knows I love her”? Sometimes this concept is also stated as, “I know he loves me—he doesn’t have to say it all the time.” On the flip side of that coin is a person who tells another person (even frequently), “I love you,” but their attitude and actions are neutral (or worse). The fact is, for someone to truly know we love them, words are not enough. We need to demonstrate our love in ways (big and small), by being helpful, extending grace (giving others kindness that they don’t deserve), and showing mercy (not giving others what they do deserve).

God loves us—He is love (1 John 4:8). We can read all about His love for us from Genesis to Revelation—He tells us clearly using His words. We can also see His love expressed to us through Creation. A breathtaking sunset, the intricacies of a flower, the miracle of a newborn baby. And this is truly amazing and breathtaking.

But did you know, friend, that it is not God’s love for us that reconciles us to Him? His love does not make a way for us to spend eternity with Him in heaven. That may sound strange. But it’s true. God does love us—all of us. We can read it; we can see it. But He demonstrated that love for us in that while we were still sinners, He sent His Son—Jesus—to die on our behalf (Romans 5:8). Jesus paid the price for our sin—a price we could never pay—so that we can be righteous, holy, worthy to stand before God. It is this grace and this mercy that saves us from eternal suffering and separation from God. This is God’s love on display.

God does love all of us. And all of us have an opportunity to accept God’s gift of love on display. He loves you. But no matter how much you read about it, see it, or “know” this fact, it’s not enough. If you haven’t said, “Yes” to God’s grace through faith in Jesus, won’t you do that right now?

“Lord, Your love maintains the breath in our lungs and the earth’s rotation…but it’s the demonstration of Your love through Jesus that saves us. Thank You for this gift.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life