God SO LOVES the World

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)

“For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” (Romans 5:5-9 NLT)

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10 NLT)

There are so many things to discuss regarding the love of God. But as I sit and meditate on His love, one particular facet shines brighter than the rest…

He came looking for me. He wouldn’t let me lie in the mess I made, didn’t throw His hands in the air and say, “What’s the use?” He couldn’t bear the thought of me living eternally without Him, or He without me!

We were made for each other! I was created for Him, and He gave His best for me.

He came looking for me! I heard Him calling my name as I hid behind the lilac bushes.

“Adam!” “Adam!” “Where are you?”

I remember thinking, “why does He need to ask? I’m sure He could walk right to me.”

I stayed in hiding as long as I could. He kept calling, calling, calling my name, “Adam!”

At first I thought He was calling out my name in anger. Maybe my conscience was telling me that. Or, I could have been hearing the voice of the serpent who was hiding beside me, telling me God was going to beat me back into the dust for disobeying Him. Yes, now I’m sure it was the serpent’s voice.

But the more I heard God call my name, the more I heard something much different, much stronger than anger. I heard love!

I heard love! I heard Him shout my name in love. I heard Him whisper it, barely audible, but I heard it. And the more I heard His voice, the more I wanted to leave my place of hiding and find refuge in His arms.

I finally got up and left the serpent behind, still hissing his lies, accusations, and hatred.

Love came looking for me! I had to respond.

“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4 NLT)