For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
T-Austin Sparks says there is a lot riding on that word ‘for’. What does he mean? He believes and so do I that on that ‘for’ rides the entire gospel and that it is the heart of the universe. If you were able to travel to the direct center of things you wouldn’t find a mind, or a will, a design, a reason, a power, but a …heart. People try to prove there is a design, or a mind, or a will that brought everything into being… which might be partly right, but have you considered that behind all of it is a …heart? That the reason, and mind, and will came from the heart? I believe everything takes rise from the heart of God.
So many academics have much to say about the thoughts of God, and the counsels of God, and all the ancient scriptures, but have you considered that at the center of it all is His heart? It is the mighty heart of God which can’t be explained by reason, or a demonstration of power, but rightly the entire meaning is ….His love. We eventually must realize that His ‘agape’ love is the center of it ALL.
When we say people are heartless – we basically mean they are without love and all that it encompasses. Love isn’t governing their thoughts, actions, or motives; they are complete strangers to love. So our understanding is this… that ‘heart’ means love, and everything comes from and revolves around that Truth. At the center of ALL things is … His love.
This is why this is all about real relationship with Him and not a religion, or formulas, or rules, or rituals. Freedom in Christ releases us the shackles of legalism. Why? Because of His love. When we truly learn and understand in our heart it’s about (agape) love — we no longer desire sin. It isn’t about our wants, or desires, or goals, it’s about His love. We learn that in His love flows all of His attributes; mercy, grace, compassion, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Everything comes from His heart.
For God so loved…. you.