A Love That Transforms

We love because He first loved us. - 1 John 4:19

As I read this verse once again, an old song crept into my head, andy es, I am about to "date" myself. It goes like this, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love; that's the only thing that there's just too little of."

Sappy, but true. Of course, I am writing specifically in this context about the unconditional love of God in Christ Jesus. You see, while there may be places in the world where respect, honor, and hospitality may remain, God's love is rarely seen, and this is because the God of the Bible is rarely known.

History has shown that the presence of God in the hearts of a people can transform a nation or culture. Philanthropy may limit the effects of a bad economy and enforced laws may limit the consequences of bad behavior, but neither one will ever change an entire people or their hearts. Where there is no Christ, there is no true love and where there is no true love there can be no true compassion, lasting reform, or national revival.

Remorse begets reform. - William Cowper