Ancient Words For Today - 12
It's reassuring to know that the Lord's love towards us is steadfast. Webster defines steadfast as "fixed in direction; steadily directed; firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment; unwavering; firmly fixed in place or position."
The depth of meaning of the word steadfast helps me to understand that the Lord's love for me is constant and unwavering. It is not conditional based upon my performance or because I do something to deserve it. In fact, the Apostle Paul proclaimed: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Romans 5:8-9
God's love towards us was initiated by Him, not us. His never-ending love and mercy also assure us that we who have responded to His love and received forgiveness for our sins, have no reason to fear or be tormented by the coming day of Judgment: John proclaimed: "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:17-19
J. Vernon McGee, as a mature Christian, quipped that he was glad God saved him when he was a young man, because if God were to judge him based on his performance during his later years, He might have reached a different decision.
Of course, J. Vernon knew and believed that God never saves anyone because of their performance or goodness. Actually, it is just the opposite; He saves us because He loves us and we need saving, and we can't save ourselves. He pours out His love to us, desiring that we will respond to His love through Jesus Christ and begin a spiritual relationship with Him.
Having become Children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, what are we now doing in return to demonstrate our love for God and express our thankfulness for his Mercy, Grace and unfailing love toward us?