The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. —Jeremiah 31:3
Religion is man seeking God. Christianity isn’t about religion, but about relationship. Desiring a covenant relationship with us, God seeks us out. He loves us unselfishly and unconditionally. Being in covenant relationship with Him doesn’t do anything for God. He does not need us, nor can we do anything for Him. Rather, God pursues us out of agape—unconditional love. In fact, He is driven to give to us.
I love my wife, Joni, with unconditional love. That means I love her whether or not she acts loving toward me. It also means that I love her whether or not I feel like it. I am in covenant relationship with her through marriage. I have promised to love her “for better or worse.” And I am a driven husband. I am driven to give: to give her love, material necessities, and every luxury I can lavish upon her. The covenant I have with Joni imparts my every blessing to her.
In a much greater way, God is driven to give to us. His very nature of love compels Him to be a giver.
“God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:8b-10).
Father, I love You with my whole heart, soul, mind,
and strength. I praise You for manifesting Your
love in Christ Jesus. Fill me with
love for others. Amen.
