The Love of God

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-7 NKJ)

In 1917, hymnist Frederick M. Lehman penned these words: "the love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell . . ." and the chorus of Lehman's hymn is "O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure -- The saints’ and angels’ song.

For me however, the most powerful words of this hymn are contained in the third verse.

"Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made;

Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky."

Not enough words to adequately express our gratitude and worship. Not enough ink and paper to properly detail the story of God's love. The simple truth of Calvary testifies of God's love for all mankind. John wrote, "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him" (1John 4:9 NKJ).

How undeserving we are! How abundant is his love! His love is not based on our performance. His love is not based on our merit. His love comes to us because of who he is. His love comes to us despite who we are.

Because of Calvary, we know that God loves us -- truly loves us."O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure -- The saints’ and angels’ song."

Dear Father, thank you for your love. Empower me to show my love for you by living my life to your glory. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Does God love us? The Cross of Calvary is the answer.