As I have embarked on this journey of studying and meditating on the love of God I find myself in a place that truly is beyond the natural mind’s understanding (Eph. 3:19). A room, if you will with no walls — no beginning and no end, a love that knows no limits. By faith I continue to grow in God’s love and pray that these letters have encouraged the same for each of you, and yet I sense we have only scratched the surface of what is to be known and experienced.
The more I am awakened to this love, the more I desire to be transformed into its likeness and fullness. I’m probably the only one in this area, but when I drive I have this tendency to freely give unsolicited advice and correction to other drivers…just me? Thought so. The Lord has been showing me that although it’s a little thing, it’s programming my heart to find fault and place judgment on others. Some may say, “Ah, I think you’re splitting hairs here Dustin. It’s not that big of a deal to aggressively ask the driver ahead of you at a stop light, ‘What shade of green are you waiting for?’” Seemingly funny in the moment, we are unintentionally yielding to the nature that once was controlled by the devil. It is in these little areas that the enemy finds his way in to paralyze our new regenerated spirit and place us back into bondage. If we are willing to yield to small offenses in a moment of road rage, we are more likely to be completely trapped by something of greater importance and with strong emotional connection.
In Zephaniah 3:17 (AMP) it says, “The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.” Did you catch that? In His love He will be silent. God is not ignoring or even looking over our rebellion and offence to His word, but through Christ has placed them in the category of Satisfied Justice. To the degree that we, by revelation, receive the love that has been so wonderfully placed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, we will begin to respond from a level that is above reproach where others are concerned. Because I have been loved and found favor in His sight, I can from the inside out give what has been given to me.
John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, so beautifully expressed in 1 John 4:9 that, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, (while we were driving ignorantly and selfishly so to speak) that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might LIVE THROUGH HIM.” We are to walk in a realm of patience and kindness. A divine place that never insists on its own rights or ways; never takes account the evil done or pays attention to a suffered wrong, for we are living in the joyful satisfaction of complete justice.
It is through this commissioned love that we are embraced by the glory of God, which is the manifestation of His divine character that is flawlessly good and overflowing with compassion. This extravagant showing of love not only revealed God’s purposed desire for all mankind, but showcases grace and truth for all to see; granting God’s unearned favor and liberty to all those held captive by the sinful offenses committed.
I want to encourage you to begin to practice the love that has been given to you through Jesus Christ toward others. Start, like me, in the small things of silencing the voice of judgment and the pronouncing of guilt. Begin to release the words of grace that build up and empower others to live the life that has been freely given to us all. I promise it will bring great results.