Love Defined

Sheridans-20052006-086

Love Defined

Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”
Dear Kids,

Love is something that is misunderstood in our day and age. People carelessly throw the word around with comments like, “I love pizza!” or “I love to ice skate!” When it comes to relationships, we often think of love as a mushy feeling or sweet sentiment, but most often there is nothing to back up the feeling. Though most people can perform a loving act at one time or another, true love is much more than that. To understand what real love is we need to look at how God treats us.

 

When God created the world He saw that it was good. But sin came in and corrupted what had once been perfect. Because God loved us He did the only thing that could be done to save us from certain death. He did not spare His only Son, but sent Him to die in our place so that we could live. The love of God was a sacrificial love – He gave up something precious so that we could have life.

 

But God’s love did not end there. Through Jesus’s death, He provided everything we need to go to heaven but also to live on earth. He defends us. He intercedes for us. He holds our hand as we face trials, distress, or persecution. He helps our weaknesses. He prays for us. And He causes all things to work together for our good. There is nothing in the whole world that can separate us from His love.

 

Yet so often we think that God’s love is only about the one-time act of Jesus dying on the cross. We are “saved” from hell and now we are on our own. That is not true. Doesn’t it make sense that if God loved us so much to sacrifice His only Son that He would provide us with all the other things we need, too?

 

When you kids were babies, Dad and I took care of all of your needs. We fed you, clothed you, bathed you, taught you, and encouraged you. We did these things because we love you. Just imagine, though, if now that you are becoming adults we set you out on the street and said, “Well, you are grown up now. Go have a good life!”

 

We would never do that because there is so much more that is needed even after you turn eighteen. We still want to be involved in your lives and are here to help you with your checkbook, to give guidance when you are buying a car, to encourage you when job-hunting, and to pray as you choose a marriage partner. We have invested so much in time, money, and effort into your lives because we love you and we plan to continue to do so for the rest of our lives.

 

We, as your earthly parents, want you to ask us for things that you need, and we desire to help in any way we can. How much more will your heavenly Father provide all you need for life and godliness.

 

Love is not a feeling that comes and goes. It is not a one-time action. It is a decision and a choice that involves sacrifice and hard work. God did not spare His own Son for you, and He will surely provide all that you need to live in this life as well as for eternity.

 

Love,

Mama

2 Comments

  1. carolinacisneroscafe on January 15, 2016 at 4:39 PM

    Great post! Yes, love is a choice. A daily conscious effort. Thank you so much for this post. God bless you and your family as we sail into the weekend. <3

  2. Sandra Sheridan on January 16, 2016 at 12:58 PM

    Thank you, Carolina. You have a wonderful weekend too!

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Hi, I'm Sandy! 

I write inspirational letters based on the Bible that share words of hope, encouragement, truth, and healing to my children and anyone else who longs for a mama's touch.

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