February 23 – The Infinite Love of God

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." (1 John 3:1, KJV)

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." (John 1:12, KJV)

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this pr

esent time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:14-18, KJV)

John struggled to find words that could fully express the astonishing love of God for fallen humanity. Instead, he calls us to contemplate this love revealed through the gift of His only begotten Son. Through the perfect sacrifice made for a guilty world, all who believe in Christ may be saved from eternal ruin.

Christ was one with God, yet when sin entered the world through Adam’s transgression, He willingly left His place of glory and descended to a world filled with suffering. From the light of heaven, where no man could see His face and live, He came to endure humiliation, mockery, pain, and death. All this He bore to meet the just demands of God’s unchanging law and to open a way of salvation for the sinner. This was the work the Father entrusted to Him, and those who accept Christ, placing their full trust in His merits, are adopted as sons and daughters of God. They become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.

Let no one think it a condescension to accept Christ, regardless of their position, knowledge, or earthly honor. Every soul should look toward heaven in reverence and gratitude, exclaiming with wonder:

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us!" (1 John 3:1, KJV)