The following video clearly expresses God’s foundational love for all people.
It makes me think of how I love my own children, even if they make foolish or hurtful choices (just as I do).
But it also raises the question of God’s wrath, and the seriousness of sin, and the repeated call to repent.
So much in the bible seems to communicate God’s anger and judgment, instead of His love.
I see anger and judgment not as opposed to love, but as expressions of love – excruciating love.
A love that suffers, a love that sacrifices, a love that warns, a love that punishes, a love that grieves, a love that hopes, a love that perseveres.
Because He is love, it pains Him to endure our rejection and rebellion, to witness our selfishness and cruelty, to see us choose the way of death instead of the path of life.
We cannot ignore the anger and judgment of God, but may we never forget that it is the natural expression of deep, deep love for us, and His desire to see us forgiven, set free and restored to fullness of life in Him.
What a beautiful video, Norm! I’m working through the book on prayer, and the message of God’s love keeps coming through. thank you.