DECEMBER 17 LOVE: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING By Daniel Anderson President, Appalachian Bible College
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10)
Without question, giving gifts is readily associated with Christmas. These acts of giving are usually motivated by our desire to express our love toward the person receiving the gift.
Do you know that the greatest illustration of love ever displayed is seen in God’s gift provided for every person? This love gift keeps on giving to every generation.
The Apostle John, known as the apostle of love, describes this love gift in 1 John 4:10. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Note these five features of God’s infinite love gift. 1. The Declaration of Love—“Herein is love.” In a world that searches but sadly misses true love, John clearly declares exactly what love is. No doubt. No exceptions. He is about to describe the ultimate love gift. 2. The Desperation of Love—“not that we loved God.” The condition of every person can be described as incapable of initiating love on our own. We do not naturally love God. We desperately need God’s love gift. 3. The Dedication of Love—“but that He loved us.” God extended love to us while we were incapable of loving Him (Romans 5:8). Such unconditional, undeserved love defies every imaginable effort we could attempt. Fathom it—God loves you! What an amazing dedication of love! 4. The Demonstration of Love—“and sent His Son.” The true test of love is not just saying it, but rather it is showing it. God demonstrated His love gift by giving His most prized possession—His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ—to be our sin substitute. 5. The Destination of Love—“to be the propitiation for our sins.” Propitiation means satisfied. Because of the blood sacrifice of Jesus which provides the required payment for our sin, we can now enjoy this destination—God is satisfied. He lovingly welcomes us into His presence when we place our trust in Jesus as our Savior from our sins. That’s the greatest love gift ever given!
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