There’s something about a good love story; the kind that overcomes all sorts of trouble and ends happily ever after. There’s something about a love that shows complete adoration, impenetrable trust and a heroic protection that allows the other person to achieve their full potential, encouraging them through any difficulties they encounter.
God’s love for us is often compared to that seen in marriage; the love of a bridegroom for His bride, and the love of a husband for His wife. His love is all forgiving, all consuming and always available. It seems strange that such an amazing love is often overlooked, so I want to paint a little picture here of God’s beautiful love (and there is much more to it than this!)
In poetic affirmation
God loves us. He died in our place, and brought us to life so we could live and reign with Him forever. He knows us better than we know ourselves, fights for us and wants us to be with Him. Yet, He does not impose upon our free will. Instead, he patiently and faithfully waits. God’s love song is ever present if we will let our ears listen to it.
I love the poetic ways God’s love is described in the Bible. It helps me to visualise just how tall and deep and wide and strong that love is, and makes my heart sing back to Him a song of praise.
His stature is of royalty and victory is His.
“You arethe most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.Gird yoursword on your thigh, Omighty one,in your splendor and majesty!In your majestyride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!” (Psalm chapter 45, verses 2-4)
His faithfulness is so loyal and forgiving that He waits for us even when we leave him time and time again.
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…”” (Jeremiah chapter 31, verse 3)
The light of His glory and mercy illuminates the nations.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah chapter 60, verses 1-3)
His love extends further than the horizon, and is beyond the stars.
“For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.”
(Psalm chapter 108, verses 4-5)
In every language
Gary Chapman writes about the 5 Love Languages: words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, quality time and gifts. His book has helped many people connect better with their loved ones as they explore the different ways they and those around them might receive love. How does God show His love in different ways?
There are numerous promises in God’s word that affirm who we are, that we are loved, wanted and made with potential and purpose. We all have a role to play in God’s kingdom, each of us with unique talents and opportunities.
His physical touch comes through the unexplainable feeling of peace that comforts us, through the embrace of a fellow believer, through the confidence in our hearts that gets us to take another step of faith.
He is always at work for our good; providing what we need in body, spirit and mind, working through the miraculous, and through everyday circumstances.
Time is not scarce for the Creator of the universe. He has infinite time to spend with us and the quality of quiet moment with God is more valuable than a lifetime without Him.
The giver of every good gift is not stingy with His presents, but lavishes them upon us in abundance. Gifts of all kinds and all nature, abounding in blessings, testimonies, personal growth, faith and so much more.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians chapter 1, verse 3)
There is a happily ever after
It’s not the kind that promises an easy happy life on earth, but it is a fail proof promise and hope that something perfect is yet to come.
When first the world was empty, the King of Kings spoke forth light and life. When the darkness of sin threatened to separate us from Him, Jesus died on the cross in our place, and conquered death so that we also could live eternally. When all is finished and all nations and tongues bow before God and His new Jerusalem, there will be no more pain and suffering.
For now, we have the privilege of knowing the end of the story. Happily ever after is coming and we don’t want anyone to miss out on it! So we wait, we love God, we love those around us and we stay faithful just as God has been faithful from beginning to end.