Devotional: Greatest Love

By Immanuel Kwesi Arthur | TRINICY.org

​“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”- John 15:13 KJV

In John 3:16, God expressed His wonderful love for us (the world) by offering His only begotten Son as a ransom to redeem us. God had to demonstrate love to us by practically sacrificing the dearest of His heart to win us (His beloved lost sons). He lost us but, because He loved us dearly, He had to give love (His Son) in return of love (us). In sorrow, He gave up Jesus that He would win the world.

The opening scripture also reveals the same love His Son Jesus had towards us. This inexplicable love was expressed through suffering by laying down His life for us in the most painful of ways. While we were yet sinners, He came willingly to endure suffering to bring us closer to the Father.

The emotional torture, the beating, the carrying of the cross, the nails that pierced through His hands and legs, the crown of thorns, the blood that oozed from His body. He was wounded for our transgressions. “He bore our sins in His own body on the tree...” for us (1 Peter 2:24). While He endured all this excruciating pain, His heart was full of love. When all things were fulfilled, He said “it is finished” (John 19:30). This painful death is described as greater love for us.

When you are going through pain, suffering, shame, and difficulties, and you feel God has left you after believing Him with all your heart, remember this: God is practically expressing His love through you to fulfill His purpose. When Jesus asked, “My Father, My Father, why have You Forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46), God was silent. He doesn’t need to be audible for you to know He is with you. Do not forget that the teacher, though present, is always quiet during a test. God will reveal Himself to you at the appropriate time. Amen.

PRAYER

Thank You, Lord, for expressing Your love through suffering for me. Give me patience to withstand difficult times. Help me to always understand that my present suffering cannot be compared to the glory ahead. In all things, let nothing separate me from Your love. Amen.

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