A scholarly bachelor wrote a treatise on the subject: "What is love?" His research was extensive. Numerous books were reviewed, and many months were spent in the organisation and development of the material gathered. When his work was ready for submission to a publisher, arrangements were made with a public stenographer (these were the days before everyone had their own computer with a Word Processing programme!) to type the manuscript.
Walking into her office for the first time, something unusual, and totally unexpected, happened! Eyes met! Pulses quickened! A strange feeling swept over both of them. It was love at first sight! The subject of the writer's paper was no longer a mere theory to him. It became a reality as he personally discovered its satisfying rewards. By this exciting contact he learned, and understood, more about his topic in a few seconds than he had gleaned through all of his, sometimes tedious, studies.
To be really appreciated, this marvellous thing called 'love' must be experienced, and comprehended, at a deeply personal level. Such a wonderful experience can be activated only by a mutual response.
This is also true in our relationship with the Lord Jesus, "... Who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify for Himself a people of His own who are zealous for good deeds." (Tit.2:14), and Who loves us with an everlasting love. Yet, until we react to His demonstration of His tender affection manifested in His gift of Himself in His sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary, our hearts can never throb with with the thrill of of that Divine concern. Without acceptance of Jesus as Saviour, and submission to Him as King, we will never know what that delightful fellowship is all about.
Have you received the Saviour? If so, then for you the joyous satisfaction of His love, revealed in the written Word of God, the Bible, isn't just a theory - it's a reality! If not - then what are you waiting for? "God loved the world - and that includes you! - so much, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever places their trust in Him, and yields to His authority in their life, should not perish but have, here and now, His own life (eternal life) in them"! (John 3:16; my paraphrase). "We love Him," writes John, "becaue He first loved us." (I Jn.4:19).
If you think that I may be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me at the e-mail address above. I don't check that one as regularly as I do my premier address, but I shall respond as soon as I do - and provide that premier address. Alternatively, if you came to this post via Facebook, I am happy to receive a pm.
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