Throughout the Bible, God provides us with similes to attempt to describe for us this love that He has for us. These similes pale in comparison (particularly since sin has tainted the true meaning of either); but are used in an attempt to allow us to understand even minutely how much He loves us. He frequently refers to His love for us as a husband for His bride or as a Father for His Son. Both forms of love are distinct with their own characteristics; yet, each in their perfect form displays a part of the love God would have for us.
There is no doubt that man searches for a love that completes him. He searches for that one soul-mate which will understand him for himself and thereby allow him to become inspired to do more and be more than he has ever imagined himself to be. We desire that love to be eternal and to never betray us in anyway. This is demonstrated in so many love songs and romantic novels. We applaud the love that overcomes every obstacle to be with the beloved. We desire a love that would overlook our frailties and see us for the one we could become at our highest level of performance and who is willing to do whatever it takes to help us reach our fullest potential. Yet, in this we are seeing a “need-love”. We do not need a love that will only accept us where we are; but rather, will guide us to be the best we can be.
photo courtesy of istock/rhennmorgan
We need one who will forgive all; yet, at the same time not accept our ugliness of spirit as being the best that we can be. One who will continue to love and at the same time will gently guide us to be better than we were so that our beauty may become more gloriously seen. It is precisely that kind of love which Christ has demonstrated to his Church, his beloved bride.
We particularly see this in Ephesians 5: (AMP) “25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her,26So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word,27That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].28Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.29For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church,30Because we are members (parts) of His body.31For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.32This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church.33However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and [that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].”
In truth the gospel is a story of love beyond any love you have ever known. One that would fill you completely and fully, allowing you to become the best you can be. A King separated from his beloved. His beloved was rightfully condemned and sentenced to death in a far away land; because she was guilty. The King left His Glorious Throne in search of his love. He left the comforts of his palace behind in order to walk in a land without even a place to lay his head. He suffered rejection, hunger, and physical pain so as to pay the price so that his love could be freed from the chains of bondage that held her. He, though completely innocent, gave His life to pay her penalty so that she could be set free. He gave everything. He rose again and returned to the throne where He can make intercession for her until the day she joins Him. He has sent her love letters that she may remember Him and know Him, more intimately. He also sent her a counselor to teach her, guide her, and protect her. He did all this despite the fact that she had no beauty or goodness of her own; yet, He knew that she could be beautiful once joined with Him. The amazing thing is, I am that love. He loves me so much that He will not leave me in the state in which He found me—though He loves me unconditionally, He desires that I become as beautiful as He knows I can be (He can see the finished product). He wants me to be able to realize that beauty and wants me to be able to love myself as well. He knows perfectly what is needed to transform me into that blemish free bride. Because of this I am a Princess, and all who recognize and accept this pure unconditional love are princes and princesses in receipt of everything that is His. One day when everything has been prepared I will become His Queen. You too can be a queen or king in his kingdom. That is love—that He would choose me and love me while patiently, gently transforming me into His beautiful princess. He would then present me to His Father, clean and pure without any blemish. His Father would love me then with the same love that He has for His Son and I would be clothed with His Glory as though I had that Glory within myself.
When you are able to realize the profound depth of love that God has for you and accept this gift of love you will find a power, a joy, a peace that you suddenly realize nothing is impossible for you. I John 4: 8 There is no fear in love; but perfectlove casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” This is a love that sets you completely free of fear. No fear as to your future, no fear as to whether you can lose this love, no fear of rejection, no fear of failure, and no fear of any loss. If you have ever loved someone profoundly, I am sure you are wondering how I can say love has no torment. But you see the torment comes from loving someone who places conditions on their returning our love and because we have set ideas as to what we want to receive in return for our love. This is imperfect love, because it thinks of self first; but that is not the perfect love that I am referring to here. I am talking about someone who loves you more than you could ever imagine being loved, someone who wants to lavish you with the greatest gift of all- God’s companionship. Someone who accepts you when you are right and when you are wrong, who continues to love you when you ignore him, are angry with him, and even when you are truly ugly both inside and out. Yet, because of the depth of that love, He will not allow you to remain there in your unlovable state of disarray; but will set about the work of transforming you into the beautiful beloved by removing all counterfeit desires so that you might truly see and understand His love for you. This kind of love will so encompass you that one day you will realize that He is perfect beauty, peace and joy. You will then understand that you desire Him above everything else.
Excerpts from Ultimate Inspiration God’s Plan of Love © Effie Darlene Barba 3/29/2012 TXu001805801
So, if you are facing any sorrow, trial, or question today. Be reminded of His great love for you. I found this song for you and for me today. I hope you take the time to listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeRpItdjW7c&list=RDrtW2soZNbhM
Question: Do You Know How Much God Loves You?
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
© 2013 Effie Darlene Barba
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