As we approach this Easter season, over the next seven days, I am sharing songs reflecting the unconditional love of God. (LISTEN NOW). He loved us so much, that He did not resist what it would cost Him. He even chose Judas knowing he would betray Him.
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (John 3:16, AMPC).
Judah spent three years in fellowship with the Lord. Jesus welcomed him with no conditions, demands, or expectations other than; take up your cross and follow me. (Matthew 10:38-39, ESV). None of the disciples had an inkling he would set Jesus up. They all befriended him and treated him as their brother. I believe Christ had hope for Judas, and until he betrayed our Savior, He never gave up on Judas.
Can you imagine, knowing someone taking part in your demise that would result in your death, still giving them an opportunity to repent and change their ways? Jesus even told him to do what he was going to do quickly. Now, the other disciples had no clue what he meant. Judah knew exactly what Christ meant and betrayed a friend who was closer than a brother for thirty pieces of silver. (Proverbs 18:24; John 13:21-30). By the time he felt remorse, it was too late. It was never the intention of Jesus that Judas would hang himself. (Matthew 27:3-5). He gave him every opportunity during that time together, to love Him with all his heart, mind, and strength. (Luke 10:27).
It's a relentless love to explain. My Friend, if you knew that person you allowed in your life would hurt you as they did, would you have begun a relationship with them? Probably not! I think about the worst experience I've ever had, and I wonder if I would have allowed such evil in my life had I known in advance what he would have done. But love takes chances on the most horrible people because God did the same for us. He extended grace and mercy though we did not warrant Him to do so.
And thank God for those of us who see someone’s dark side, yet are not so quick to lose hope and give up on them. Christ let our paths cross so they would get to experience what the love of God was. Besides, Jesus never saw us as a hopeless cause. He lingers and yearns to have sweet communion with everybody. Likewise, those who are disloyal and anyone who rejects Him. His love is everlasting with no demands from anyone. There is nothing we will ever do to cause Him to abandon us. And no one would ever love us as He does. So, I pray these songs to stir your heart to forgive the unlovable and pardon the unforgivable.
I pray the musical selection Covered by Planetshakers; stirs your heart and faith in God
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:
Will you forgive whoever has wounded you so you can be all Christ wants you to be?
RESOURCE LOUNGE: Bless yourself and others with a gift that inspires you.
Will you help encourage someone today? Please leave a comment, hit that heat, and share. Thank you kindly.
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