The True Look of Love

For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, NLT)

Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, ERV)

For this is how much God loved the world – He gave His one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in Him will never perish but experience everlasting life. – (John 3:16, TPT)

 

There is no love that has ever been nor that will ever be, that compares to the love God has for each of us. Many of us would give up tangible things that we care about for those whom we love, but I imagine none of us would willingly send our sons or daughters to those whom were against us, knowing that they would die. God gave all so that we would have all in Him. We have a free will that grants us the choice to either believe and receive the glorious gift that He has given, or to reject our redemption and run our own race. Even in that, I envision the vastness of the Father’s heart. He waits patiently for those who wander and welcomes each into His loving arms when we are ready to receive all that He has for us. May we fix our eyes on He who is love rather than on what the world attempts to define as love.

 

The true look of love, 

Is not from a store;

But comes from above,

And means so much more.

The greatest love known,

Is that which God gives;

Because of His Son,

We gain life to live.

As we choose believe,

Receive His great grace;

We’re set on the path,

To run well His race.

The glorious end,

Our true finish line;

Heaven forever,

Most Holy Divine.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved the world better than any of us could begin to fully comprehend. Thank You that everyone who believes in You gains life with You forever. Forgive us for allowing the world to define love for us, rather than looking to You for the truth. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would receive and believe all that You offer, so that we may go and love as we are called to love. Show us how to love others in a way that reflects Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive and believe the greatest love ever given, as You sent Your Son to us to show us what love truly is. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

Love that’s Better than Life

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise You! – (Psalm 63:3, NLT)

Your faithful love is better than life, so my lips praise You. – (Psalm 63:3, ERV)

Your steadfast love is better than life itself, so my lips will give You all my praise. – (Psalm 63:3, VOICE)

 

God’s love is what gives us life and breath and purpose in our being. Without Him and receiving His love, existence would be void of the light and life that we were created to know. Because the love of God is steadfast and will not waiver based on what we do or do not do, we have reason to give Him praise for all of our days. Unconditional love is the greatest love we will ever know, and when we receive it for ourselves, we hold fast to this life-sustaining goodness that stirs up a desire within us to give God our praise. May we ever seek the Lord and receive the love that He readily offers, as His love provides purpose and reason to give Him praise.

 

The love of the Lord, 

Is steadfast and true;

It’s better than life,

As it makes us new.

Because of His love,

I will ever praise;

The God of all grace,

For all of my days.

His love never fails,

Though we always do;

God’s mercy and grace,

Always see us through.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your unfailing love is better than life itself. Thank You that Your love is our reason to praise You. Thank You that Your love gives us light and life and hope and reason for being. Forgive us for not trusting Your love to be true for us, or for not giving proper praise to You, where ALL praise is due. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would receive what You freely offer and give You all the glory. Show us how to love those around us in such a way, that they may see Your goodness and grace through our words and deeds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive Your faithful love and give You praise forever. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14