11- God is LOVE

God is LOVE

Jehovah, as a covenant God - is pure, unmixed love - to his people in Christ. This is plainly stated and clearly proved, in his holy word. And though it may at times, be difficult to reconcile some of his mysterious dispensations with his love; yet the fact remains - however confused our minds may be upon the subject. He proved the truth of it:

1. By the gift of his Son to be our Savior! He so loved - as to give his only begotten Son to live, to suffer, to labor, and to die for us!

2. By the gift of the Holy Spirit, to regenerate our hearts and sanctify our natures.

3. By the gift of his holy word, the whole of it in general - but the precious promises in particular. They being all Yes and Amen in Christ - prove that God is Love. His love has been eternally fixed upon his people, and will remain fixed forever! No changes that occur in this world can change the nature of God. He is in one mind, and who can turn him? He is the same, and never changes. He is without "variableness" or the "shadow of turning." His love is as infinite as his nature, as vast as eternity. He sovereignly chose his people in Jesus - because he loved them; and with a determination to love them for evermore. His love has united him to his people - and nothing shall separate them from him! The plan of salvation - is a plan of love. The scheme of providence - is a scheme of love. Every comfort and every trial, every gift and every bereavement - flows alike from his love.

He hates, loathes, and abhors sin everywhere - but specially in the objects of his love. And therefore he chastens, afflicts, and tries them - to increase their hatred to sin, and devote them entirely to himself. He will not allow of a rival - he is a jealous God. Having set his whole heart upon us - he will have us set all our hearts upon him. He . . . delights in our persons, takes pleasure in our prosperity, and will sanctify us wholly, "spirit and soul and body."

Love prompts him to . . . listen to our prayers, regard our sighs, and pity our groans! And in love, he answers our petitions - and pours down blessings on our heads.

All his dealings with us are love. There is love in the rod - as well as in milk and honey. There is love in the frown - as well as in the heart-refreshing smile. His love is . . . infinitely holy, invariably wise, and impartially just!

Thus it appears in the great work of redemption, and in every Christian’s experience, wherein he abounds towards us in all wisdom and prudence.

"God is love!" Let this encourage us at all times, and yield us comfort in the darkest path. Let this be the constant object of our faith - and the subject of our meditation. And let us remember that if we sin - that it is against love; against infinite, eternal, unmerited love! May God’s love for us be . . . the grave where we bury our fears, the altar on which we present our thanksgivings, the fountain in which we bathe for refreshment, and the subject we delight to enjoy and proclaim!

Perfect love has power to soften Cares that might our peace destroy;

Nay, does more - transforms them often, Changing sorrow into joy!

God of love, this blessing grant, ’Tis the sum of all I want.

Sovereign love appoints the measure, And the number of our pains; And is pleased when we find pleasure In the trials he ordains.

God of love to me impart, Perfect love to rule my heart!