The gospel is the proclamation of free love; the revelation of the boundless charity of God. Nothing less than this will suit our world; nothing else is so likely to touch the heart, to go down to the lowest depths of depraved humanity, as the assurance that the sinner has been loved -- loved by God, loved with a righteous love, loved with a free love that makes no bargain as to merit, or fitness, or goodness.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the unconditional nature of God's love for humanity, regardless of their shortcomings.
Horatius Bonar’s quote encapsulates the essence of the gospel as a message of divine love and charity that knows no bounds. It speaks to the transformative power of God's love, suggesting that it is this unconditional affection that can truly reach and uplift even the most despairing individuals. By highlighting that God's love does not depend on personal merit or virtue, Bonar underlines its accessibility to all, which is a central tenet of Christian beliefs.
In practice
In a sermon about forgiveness, this quote can illustrate the depth of God's love for sinners.
Be much alone with God, and take time to get thoroughly acquainted. Converse over everything with Him. Unburden yourself wholly -every thought, feeling, wish, plan, doubt- to Him...He wants not merely to be on good terms with you, but to be intimate.
Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die; another's life, another's death, I stake my whole eternity.
Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be; lead me by thine own hand; choose out the path for me.
Well I see you there with the rose in your teeth One more thin gypsy thief... Yes, and thanks, for the trouble you took from her eyes I thought it was there for good so I never tried... And Jane came by with a lock of your hair She said that you gave it to her That night that you planned to go clear.
We grow up hungry for love, and in ways so deep as to remain unexpressed we long for our Maker to love us.
Eros seizes and shakes my very soul like the wind on the mountain _x000D_ shaking ancient oaks.
He's a very nice man and all that, easy to get along with, fun, he never makes me cry. But is that love? I mean, is that all there is to it? Even when you learned to ride your two-wheeler, you had to fall off a few times and scrape both knees. Call it a rite of passage. And that was just a little thing.
Is there any practice less selfish, any time less wasted than preparing something nourishing and delicious for the people you love?
It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.
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