GOD is love!
(James Smith, "Gleams of Grace!" 1860)
GOD is love in HIS nature.
As GOD'S nature is love--
so HIS love must be like HIS nature.
Is HE INFINITE? Then HIS love must
be infinite love; and so it is, for it not
only surpasses expression--
but is beyond conception.
"The love of GOD which
surpasses knowledge."
Is HIS nature ETERNAL?
Then HIS love must be eternal,
and it is; as HE says,
an everlasting love. With unfailing
love I have drawn you to MYSELF!"
(Jeremiah 31:3)
Is He IMMUTABLE? Then HIS love
must be immutable, and it is from
everlasting to everlasting the same.
that is why you . . . are not consumed!"
(Malachi 3:6)
Is He WISE? Then HIS love must be
wisely fixed, wisely exercised, and
wisely displayed.
Is HE JUST? Then HIS love must
be just; and it is, for by loving
HIS redeemed people--
HE never interferes with the rights
of others, or in any way injures them.
Is HE FREE in the exercise of HIS
perfections and prerogatives? Then HIS
love must be free, and it is as free . . .
as the shining of the sun,
as the falling of the shower,
as the descent of the dew!
GOD loves freely, without looking
for a cause or reason in man.
Is HE OMNIPOTENT? Then HIS
love must be all-powerful; and
blessed be HIS holy name, HIS
sweet and gentle love always goes
hand in hand with HIS omnipotence.
Is HE HOLY? Then HIS love must
be holy love, and so it is, for while
it is fixed on the sinner--
it never, directly, or indirectly, in any
manner, or in any measure sanctions sin.
GOD is love, and the love of GOD is
GOD HIMSELF loving, in accordance
with all the glorious attributes, and
sublime perfections of HIM divine nature.
In CHRIST we were chosen,
in CHRIST we were blessed
with all spiritual blessings,
in CHRIST we are preserved,
and in CHRIST we are loved.
To believers, GOD is love--
pure, unmixed love.
All HIS thoughts of us are loving thoughts.
All HIS words to us are loving words.
All HE does in us, for us, or to us--
HE does out of pure love!
HIMSELF up for her!" Ephesians 5:25
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