Tidings for Tuesday
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be Saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7
I asked the Sunday School children if they could name one person in the world who God does not love. To their credit, none of them could come up with a name. Neither can God. John 3:16 reminds us that God loves everybody in the world. This is a wonderful truth that makes the Gospel message so special. Rather than the rigour and agony imposed by demands of religion, God’s love extends to us the grace and peace that are mentioned in today’s text. However, there is a great measure in which the Saints are enclosed in an even more intimate relationship, that of being called beloved of God.
Even in the world, love that is one-sided does not accomplish anything. For love to be appreciated on both sides, it must be shared from one to the other. Much of the world today knows nothing about God’s love. They don’t understand or appreciate all that He has done for them. They don’t appreciate His kindness in providing material comforts and blessing, in causing the rain to fall on the just and unjust, in protecting and preserving from life’s dangers and enemies. And they don’t appreciate that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. So ultimately, God’s love serves them no eternal benefit. How different the Saints, those of us to whom God has manifested His love in reaching us with His salvation. We love Him because He first loved us.
What a lovely expression: Beloved of God! We are not able to fully take it in, but it enfolds us in its preciousness and grandeur. It reminds us that even when our love and service falter, God’s love is ever unfailing and undiminished. We can be a thankful people because we can appreciate all of God’s bounties to us, even those that the unsaved never care about. We can rejoice in the love that drew Salvation’s plan, and love Him in return. And because we appreciate His love, we will want to tell others about Him, that they might come to appreciate Him too.
Are you one of the Beloved of God? How much do you express to God your love in return? How much do you let His love to you flow out to others? – Jim MacIntosh