Humans have a habit of projecting their own ill will and unlovingness onto God. I could be wrong but my guess is that our love for God is in direct proportion to our own willingness to be loved.This just makes sense. God is not going to refuse to come into an open heart. His aim is redemption and restoration but we cannot hold Him at arms length. How can you embrace someone if you are holding him off? We have many, of what we perceive to be valid, reasons for thinking that God may not be fair, or perhaps is a bit cruel and should be feared, but none of these things actually hold water when held up for inspection.They are simply reflections of our fallen human nature staring back at us. God is not an overbearing despot ruling over a kingdom of slaves or puppets. (Lol! You can tell this must have crossed my mind many a time over the years, can't you? After all, you have to write about what you know!)
I was thinking about God's love this morning. Well, actually, I was imagining God peering down at the world many years ago with sorrow and sadness, wishing He could break through our defenses, standing up, casting his crown aside and saying to the angels, "I'll just have to go down there and SHOW them the face of LOVE." This may be a bit simplistic for a meditation but it's effective! And, basically, that's exactly what God did in the Incarnation. What's not to love?
We have a God who:
Became man
Heals us spiritually and physically
Forgives all who ask with sincerity
Loves unconditionally
Died for us
Wants an intimate relationship with us
Prepares us for eternity with Him
Sends angels to guard us
Dwells within us
This is the truth that we are left with once we peel away our petty projections. And so I ask again:
What's not to love?
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI love the simplicity of this meditation. I have to admit, I never thought about it this way, but agree- if we do not feel we can be loved, how can we let God in? That's pretty much where I was pre-reversion and even in the early days of my return. I'm getting better at letting God in :)
Great title for this post! You've given much to ponder with a few simple words, thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Mary!
ReplyDeleteKarin and Anne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting! I'm getting better at letting God in, too. It has taken a long time though and I'm sure there are many areas where I hold him at arm's length still. At least I allow him to hug me now and then. I wouldn't have when I was younger, I was too busy running away!
Beautiful Mary, thank you for sharing. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteExcellent points. Half the time I'm running away in the direction I want to go in. But the farther away I get from the light the darker it gets and the more I stumble. AA has a great slogan: Let go and let God. Surrender to love. Life is much easier. Thanks, Mary.
ReplyDeleteCame back for a re-read. I desire that intimacy with God. Thank you Mary for sharing. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful Mary!
ReplyDeleteWe have to think of God's love - everyday - and know there is meaning to the good AND the bad.
God bless!
Thank you, JBR and Brian! May God bless you, too!
ReplyDelete