Dependence and God’s Love

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV)

*Dependence and God’s Love is part three in the series DEPENDENCE, and holds the greatest value when read in sequence. You can start at the beginning here.*

We’ll begin considering dependence and its relation to God’s love with

:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

Often, we imagine that the word “so” here means “a lot”. However, renowned Greek scholar William Mounce educates, “But did you know that the Greek word behind “so” most likely means, “in this way.” “For God loved the world in this way: he gave…” The giving of his Son shows how God loved the world, not how much.”

Focusing on the way God loves us in this verse, seems an infinitely more profound way of communicating the depth of His love. We must consider the reality that in order to redeem mankind, who had made themselves God’s enemies, his very Son was required as substitute. That’s like a parent giving his or her only child’s life to save the lives of soldiers from an invading enemy nation, intent on destruction.

When our eyes are opened to that kind of unfathomable love, it should stir something in us. God’s love for us is deeper than words, it was spoken through selfless action and is further communicated through His adoption of us. (Ephesians 1:5). The beautiful gift of our salvation is a story wrought with absolute love.

Through the sacrifice made upon the cross we are reconciled back to our rightful place as sons and daughters of God; and this place is one that cannot be taken from us. (Romans 8: 38-39). Our place of dependence here is as God’s dearly beloved children.

In light of your dependence as children of God, you are invited to trust in the Father’s intense love and affection for you. Take time today to rest in the truth of the love that was shown to us all through the sacrifice of Jesus.