"The love of God has been poured out in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:5
The little boy had been to Sunday School. He said to his dad, "The teacher said Jesus wants to come into our hearts. I was wondering, how can I know when He comes into my heart?" His dad replied, "Son, when Jesus comes into your heart you will know it. His love will fill your heart." Dad's theology was right on target. When Jesus comes into any one's heart, the love of God is the evidence.
The love of God is different from anything this world knows. God's love is absolutely unconditional. That is to say, He doesn't love us because of anything we have done or haven't done. God loves us because He is love (1 John 4:8). We could never deserve His love nor earn it. God's love can be rejected, but when it is received you know it. Our hearts are changed. Hatred and fear are dismissed. This love casts out all fear and fills us with love for God and everyone. The love of God becomes more than words in a sermon or a song. God's love is made real by the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
How can we experience the love of God? It comes to us through the gospel of Christ. Gospel means good news. God's good news is seen at the cross for sinners. That includes all of us, because we have all sinned. God's love is greater than all of our sins. The Spirit of God's love raised Jesus from the dead. That same love raises us to a new life. It comes through faith in God and His Son. When you receive Him, there will be no doubt. Love will fill your heart.
God, we praise You for Your great unconditional love for us as sinners. We receive Your love by faith through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
