There is, however, a question that each of us should ask in
response to Hosea: Who experiences God’s love?
The answer to that is given clearly by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:39.
We experience God’s love “in Christ Jesus”.
In other words, those united to Christ through faith experience the
full, rich, saving love of God. Those who are not united to Christ do not (John
3:36).
In his classic book, Holiness: Its Nature,
Hindrances, Difficulties, And Roots, the 19th century
British pastor, J. C. Ryle, offers
helpful counsel to all who would desire to know God’s love. Because of the seriousness of this topic, I
will quote him at length.
“I entreat you not to stifle conscience by vague hopes of
God’s mercy, while your heart cleaves to the world. I implore you not to drown
convictions by childish fancies about God’s love, while your daily ways and
habits show plainly that ‘the love of the Father is not in you.’ There is mercy
in God, like a river—but it is for the [repentant] believer in Christ Jesus.
There is a love in God towards sinners which is unspeakable and
unsearchable—but it is for those who ‘hear Christ’s voice and follow Him.’ Seek
to have an interest in that love. Break off every known sin; come out boldly
from the world; cry mightily to God in prayer; cast yourself wholly and
unreservedly on the Lord Jesus for time and eternity; lay aside every weight.
Cling to nothing, however dear, which interferes with your soul’s salvation;
give up everything, however precious, which comes between you and heaven.
“This old shipwrecked world is fast sinking beneath your
feet: the one thing needful is to have a place in the lifeboat and get safe to
shore. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure. Whatever happens
to your house and property, see that you make sure of heaven. Oh, better a
million times be laughed at and thought extreme in this world than go down to
hell….”
So, as Pastor Ryle wrote, make it your desire to “seek to
have an interest in that love.”
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