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.
I dream of a love that is more than two people craving to possess one another.
I never looked at the masses as my responsibility. I can only love one person at a time. So I began. I picked up one person. Maybe if I didn't pick up that one person, I wouldn't have picked up forty-two thousand.
If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger.
I. Don't trace out your profile-- forget your side view-- all that is outer stuff. II. Look for your other half who walks always next to you and tends to be who you aren't.
Were one merely to seek information, one should inquire of the man who hates, but if one wishes to know what truly is, one better ask the one who loves
The lover never despairs. _x000D_ For a committed heart everything is possible.
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