This morning, as I walked, a young woman came up to me to ask a question. I was wearing a t-shirt that had the message, “WalkIN 4 Jesus” stenciled on the back. She saw that and asked me, “If you had one thing to say to me about God, what would it be?” I said, “love God with your whole heart.” I don’t know if that was the right thing to say to her in that moment, but it expresses the heart of the gospel. We love God, because He first loved us and gave His Son for us.
Philippians 1:8 says, “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Paul expresses his affection for the people of the Philippian church, but also declares that God has affection for us. God loves us and has feelings of fondness, care and tenderness toward us. His affection is confirmed in displays of kindness and grace toward us. When one is truly loved, the heart can express love in return.
Reluctant Retiree 