Because He Loves You

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.

 

1 John 4:9

 

The foreign pastor was beaten brutally for the sake of the gospel. He suffered insults, disgrace, and great physical pain. And yet, he and his family have chosen to remain in his village, despite the persecution that they must face. Right now, they live in constant danger. No obligation ties this pastor to the tribe, and no one would ever blame him if he decided to immigrate to a safer location with his family.

 

After all, how could anyone possibly expect him to love the ones who had cruelly assaulted him?

 

There can be but one explanation for his decision to stay. This pastor became a missionary because God placed a great love in his heart for the people of his country, and this love has not faded, despite mistreatment at their hands. In a small way, this pastor's story is a reflection of what God has done for us. The very Son of God suffered so much more.

 

The All Powerful God surrendered Himself into the violent hands of those whom He came to save—such is the love of God.

 

God loves the world with an intense, passionate love—a love so deep and so pure that we can hardly begin to fathom it. On the day of Jesus' birth, God Himself entered the world—to die. And He did it out of love for you.