"7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from GOD, and whoever loves has been born of GOD and knows GOD.
8 Anyone who does not love does not know GOD, because GOD is love.
9 In this the love of GOD was made manifest among us, that GOD sent his only SON into the world, so that we might live through HIM.
10 In this is love, not that we have loved GOD but that "HE LOVED US" and sent his SON to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
12 No one has ever seen GOD; if we love one another, GOD abides in us and HIS love is perfected in us."
TOUGH LOVE has been discussed and dissected for centuries. We all should LOVE our children enough to provide for their needs. Whether it is as simple as cleaning a scraped knee or as complex as advising in a relationship matter, we all need guidance in our lives from time to time. Admitting to NEEDING that guidance can be a humbling experience though!
GOD has put me into some uncomfortable places in my life that have REQUIRED me trusting in HIM with my whole heart. Why would HE place one of HIS prize possessions (James 1:18) into difficult times when HE has the power to make everything nice??? You would think HE would make our stream smooth and calm? You would think HE would make things easiest for those who profess LOVE for HIM?
It may be that "HE LOVED US" and HE wants us to, not only PROFESS love for HIM, but DEMONSTRATE love for HIM! GOD could have created a bunch of robot-like creatures who stood around extolling HIS power and might. But had HE not given us a choice the PRAISE and adoration would not have been as heartfelt. When we cry out to HIM in need, we are demonstrating that only HE can solve our problems and needs.
GOD's plan is so magnificent that we have to use the word MIRACLE when describing it. When we say "HE LOVED US" we have to realize how frail and human we are, while at the same time realize how DIVINE HE is! Yes, "HE LOVED US" but HIS LOVE is so great that HE allows me to go through some trying times so I will proclaim that "HE LOVED US"!!
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