The Shape of Love

Read Romans 5:8

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)

When it comes to love, words might come easy. How many men and women have been seduced by sweet words of love that later turn sour? How many brutal partners profess their love for their partner and yet can later bash them senseless?

Love needs to be put into action. God did just that. He wanted us back in his forever family. He didn’t just think about it or talk about it with fellow members of the Trinity. He didn’t form a committee or demand a report. He did something: he invited Jesus to come and take away what kept us from him and open the door back to friendship with him.

And he didn’t wait for us to be worthy of such an act. He didn’t meet us halfway. He didn’t strike some tit-for-tat bargain. While we had our backs turned to him, he faced us. While we rejected him, he opened his accepting arms to us.

Of course to benefit from such love we do need to respond in humble faith. But the offer stands whatever we individually make of it.

The shape of love is not some soft-pink heart, but a splinter-ridden cross.

Blessings
David Reay