Love Lavished

So, I've realized I have a hard time leaving a reference for less that 5 verses. So, I went back through all of my previous contributions (including this one) and decided that I should take out... absolutely none of them. Why? Well, I have found a verse which supports my reasoning why any less than 5 verses would not be enough :), and it happens to be in this chapter!

"How great is the love the Father has LAVISHED on us, that we should be called children of God!" -- 1 John 3:1

Now, this may still be baffling -- that doesn't seem to prove much. WRONG! God has LAVISHED his love upon us, he has displayed his love for us in EXORBITANT amounts! He lived a perfect life, and took every single sin committed upon himself, was beaten, spat upon, whipped, carried his cross up a hill, had a crown of thorns thrust upon his head, three nails driven into his body, and ultimately had his FATHER turn his back upon him and release all of his wrath. After all of this, he says COME! You are mine! You are a child of God! He not only does this for us, but he leaves us the Holy Spirit and a Bible for CONSTANT GUIDANCE!!! He has lavished us with his love -- and with encouragement! For any chapter of the Bible not to have at least 5 noteworthy verses... I mean seriously! I am lawlessness. I am sin. He took everything that I AM upon himself, suffered the death I deserved, so that I may be in Him SINLESS! HELLO! He did this for ALL of us! And somehow we forget, just like the Israelites in the Old Testament -- we are winey, ornery, irritable, and full of complaints. God delivers them out of Egypt, provides a way for them to WALK THROUGH a river, collapses it on their enemies, provides a Cloud by day, and Fire by night, gives them food that FALLS FROM THE SKY, says, "Hey Moses, go speak to a rock and it will provide water for you." (although he struck it, in disbelief, it STILL provided water)... and YET they still complain, complain, complain. I listed above all the things Christ did for us... and YET what do I STILL do? I complain. I mope. I gripe. I find reason to be ungrateful... when I have been blessed in innumerable ways.

Another point, constantly I see Christians living their life with a chip on their shoulder. Where, when the world "discriminates" against them they can't believe that God would let it happen -- and use it as a reason to say that God is not omniscient, or omnipotent! HA! I laugh at the selfishness. Laugh.

"DO NOT BE SURPRISED, my brothers, if the world hates you." 1 John 3: 13 And, I know there exist many, many more scriptures to refute this selfish denial of God's love and power. Be ready for a battle -- why do you think he gave us a breastplate, a sword, a helmet, and a belt? Did you think you wouldn't have to use them? News flash, to myself, as well as others, life is NOT a bed of roses... well maybe, if you account for the fact that the roses have MILLIONS of painful thorns.

Lastly, verses 18-20: again I am wowed by the power and love of the Lord! If I am not making excuses for myself, I let the devil work within me in ways that cripple my ability to do the Lord's work. I let him convince me that I am of no use to God because of all of the wrong things I have done. It is important to realize our sins -- to realize like Paul,
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15
However, we must also realize that we were made clean but the atoning sacrifice of OUR Lord, Jesus Christ. Do not let your hearts constantly condemn you -- once you have repented realize you are clean! Christ is GREATER than our hearts... Greater... he has control over our hearts, he has overcome the evil one! So, I say this to myself as well, remember whose you are and that you are clean.

Lord, let me always remember your sacrifice. Let me be willing to lay down my life for my friends. Let me go in to battle daily without complaints armed with your breastplate, your helmet, your sword, and your shield! And let me remember, "That I am a conquerer and co-heir in Christ, and firm on your promise I'll stand." Let me love like you loved, and live like you lived. Make me stop complaining, and realzie all my blessing! Thank you for what you did for me.

Created over 2 years ago