I think absolutely, yes. God's love isn't directed at us simply because it must - as though God, who doesn't actually like us, must love us according to the higher power of love. Instead, God is love. He willed the creation and wills the sustenance of the world and us. He willed the death of Jesus so we could be adopted as his sons. He lovingly calls all to repent and turn to him. He disciplines us as a father disciplines a child.
Furthermore, the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that God was reconciling us to himself through him (Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:18-20; Col 1:20). We're no longer God's enemies, but instead we have peace with him through Christ.
As I get to the end of my comment, I realise that the category 'like' does not seem particularly helpful when thinking about God. It's too superficial, too flippant. To introduce some sort of distinction between 'like' and 'love' in God's attitude to us in the first place doesn't seem quite right...
(I just realised that I didn't use the word 'like'. I think I have some aversion to it.)
I think the Bible says that God
* picks us up as his enemies (and loves those whom he does not like). (Romans 5:1-10)
* and yet by great consummation he loves us and finds us as a group really lovely- whom he really likes. (Rev 19:10)
In between as we live in Christ. He always loves us; and is really pleased (he likes) when we put our trust in him, turn to him in prayer, tremble at his word etc... (lots of references).
7 comments:
I think it depends on whether or not we consider Jesus calls us friend?
I believe He does like us, for he sees us through the Blood of Christ, pure and spotless - how could he not like us?
For there is no condemnation for those of us in Christ Jesus.
I think absolutely, yes. God's love isn't directed at us simply because it must - as though God, who doesn't actually like us, must love us according to the higher power of love. Instead, God is love. He willed the creation and wills the sustenance of the world and us. He willed the death of Jesus so we could be adopted as his sons. He lovingly calls all to repent and turn to him. He disciplines us as a father disciplines a child.
Furthermore, the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that God was reconciling us to himself through him (Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:18-20; Col 1:20). We're no longer God's enemies, but instead we have peace with him through Christ.
As I get to the end of my comment, I realise that the category 'like' does not seem particularly helpful when thinking about God. It's too superficial, too flippant. To introduce some sort of distinction between 'like' and 'love' in God's attitude to us in the first place doesn't seem quite right...
What's the answer AB!
What do others think? (That's the Bible Study group leaders question)
(I just realised that I didn't use the word 'like'. I think I have some aversion to it.)
I think the Bible says that God
* picks us up as his enemies (and loves those whom he does not like).
(Romans 5:1-10)
* and yet by great consummation he loves us and finds us as a group really lovely- whom he really likes. (Rev 19:10)
In between as we live in Christ. He always loves us; and is really pleased (he likes) when we put our trust in him, turn to him in prayer, tremble at his word etc... (lots of references).
His love for his children is a transforming love.
Post a Comment