May 20

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:9. 10.

In the Bible we are told of the great love of God. Mention is made of it on every page. "God is Love," says St. John, and then he adds that God showed His love towards us by sending His Son into the world. And our Savior says: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son." These words are immeasurable, infinite. The love of God in Jesus has in all ages been the key-note of all true preaching in the Church of God; it is the very sum and substance of the Bible.

So great is the love of God that it embraces the whole world, the world of sinners. Yea, God commendeth His love towards us in that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. When the Father delivered up His Son into the shameful death of the cross for us, what thoughts could He have had towards us but thoughts of infinite love?

And this salvation which the Son of God purchased for us through His bloody death is offered to us freely, as it is written: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Surely God, who sacrificed His own Son and offers heaven and all salvation to us freely, making no condition and asking no price, has thoughts of immeasurable love towards us. Our dear Redeemer Jesus sacrificed His life for us; and as St. John says:

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This is what the Son of God did for us all. He laid down His life for us. Oh, how great, then, is the love of God towards us! He says by the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." These words reveal to us the innermost thoughts of God, whose love towards us is immeasurable — everlasting.

Prayer.

O Thou Son of the living God, how great is Thy love and mercy towards us men! What hast Thou not done and suffered in order to redeem me, a poor, lost sinner, and save me from death and eternal damnation! I have transgressed, and Thou art stricken; I have sinned, and Thou didst make amends. I have been disobedient, and because of my disobedience Thou must endure this anguish and distress. Thou hast laid down Thy life for us. Amen.

'Tis done; the precious ransom's paid; "Receive my soul!" He cries; See how He bows His sacred head! He bows His head and dies.

But soon He breaks death's envious chain, In glory full to shine. O Lamb of God! was ever pain, Was ever love, like Thine?