The Bible In Your Hand

Beholding the Love of God

Behold, manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. I John 3:1

John was called the beloved disciple. He was the one who leaned on Jesus’ breast. He had heard the heartthrobs of his Lord. If anyone could have described the love of God surely John the best qualified. And yet he did not attempt it. Instead, he pleads with us to behold this love for ourselves. “As John beholds the height, the depth, and the breadth of the Father’s love toward our perishing race, he is filled with admiration and reverence. He cannot find suitable language to express this love, but he calls upon the world to behold it: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should no called the sons of God.’ What a value this places upon man!”

John found no words suitable among ancient languages to describe this love. In modern languages we still are at a loss to adequately describe the love of God. “When we seek for appropriate language in which to describe the love of God, we find words to tame, to weak to far beneath the theme, and we lay down our pen and say, ‘No, it cannot be described.’ We can only do as did the beloved disciples, and say, ‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” In attempting any description of this love, we feel that we are as infants lisping their first words. Silently we may adore; for silence in this matter is the only eloquence. This love past all language to describe. It is the mystery of God in the flesh, God in Christ, and divinity in humanity.”

We need to know more about this love of God we are to be successful soul winners. “The love of Christ is the only power that can soften the heart and lead to obedience.” Talk to the sinner with your own heart overflowing with tender, pitying love of Christ.”

Love is so patient, so thoughtful, so kind;
Love is the greatest thing you’ll ever find!