The Highest Love

Three hundred and ten years ago, Issac Watts penned the lyrics to the still-oft-sung hymn, "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross."  In one verse, Wells wrote . . .
Were this whole realm of nature mine

That were a present far too small

Love so amazing, so divine

Demands my soul, my life, my all

Love so amazing!

Two blogs ago I focused on the need and value of platonic love.  Last week, the focus was on romantic love.  Today I write of Divine Love, the highest love of all.  Watts was willing to give up "the whole realm" for love.  All other loves flow from God's love.

We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19 (NIV)
Because of Jesus, His followers live on a two-way road of love -- God's love toward us and ours toward Him.  While His love is perfect, ours is flawed; yet, He receives it nonetheless.

Two days ago, the Christian Season of Advent began.  Advent celebrates anticipation.  Advent observers imagine the anticipation of those BC "waiters" upon the arrival of the Messiah and imagine with equal anticipation His AD return.  He will return with love at the ready.  He, as Creator and Savior, will welcome His followers home.

While we wait, we anticipate and we (if we are doing as we should) love as He first loved us.  That kind of love begins with worship.  To love God is to worship God. 

During this season of Advent, determine to love God through worship.  How?  I share some suggestions.
1. Attend a worship service.
2. Read Luke, chapter two.
3. Read Colossians, chapter one.
4. Read 2 Peter, chapter three.
5. Listen to (and sing along with) songs of worship.
6. Drive to a spot of beauty and thank God for His craftsmanship.
7. Thank God for helping you through your difficult time.
8. Write a "thank you" note to God.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1a (NIV)

#ordinarylives

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