Ephesians 2:4-5a says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, made us alive together with Christ.”
There is a fullness of consolation in the fact that the heart of God is bent towards His children. The revelation of this reality was an unwavering truth that fueled the apostle Paul. Even in the midst of ongoing, grave challenges in his life, Paul never lost sight of the wealth of God’s love that he had attained by faith.
As followers of Jesus, we must believe with all of our hearts that God has loving and compassionate feelings toward those who fear Him. This truth must be deliberately embraced, or we risk living a life of religious performance that only leads to burnout and deep frustration.
When it comes to properly discerning God’s love, it is also important to us as believers to understand that the love of God rescues us from self-focus and allows us to enjoy the Lord for who He is. He becomes our great treasure or pearl of great price. As a result, our life then consists primarily of making much of Him forever, which fuels obedience, intimacy and deep worship unto Jesus.
Biblical love therefore aims at fulfilling people in the glory of God alone. Any love that relies on man and his self-interests is eventually destructive. It cannot lead people to the only lasting joy, namely, Jesus Himself. Love must be God-centered, or it is not true love; it leaves people without their final hope of joy and ultimate pleasure.
Join me this week on Maintain the Flame on the Charisma Podcast Network where we will explore the depths of the love that Jesus has toward His followers. By listening, you will discover how God’s love produces joy, freedom, holiness, obedience and an eternal paradigm. Prepare to be impacted by this important episode. {eoa}
Keith Collins is the founder of Generation Impact Ministries and Impact Global Fellowship. He is actively involved in itinerant ministry, teaching and writing. In recent years, Keith served as the president of the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry and as the director of FIRE School of Ministry, which were both born out of the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida. His recent book, Samuels Arising: Waking Up to God’s Prophetic Call, is now available on Amazon, and his podcast, titled Maintain the Flame, can be heard on iTunes and at cpnshows.com. You can contact Keith via his websites at keith-collins.org or impactgf.org.
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