Redeemed Love

Love changes you. I'm not speaking merely of that superficial crap they call love these days. No, I mean the deep stuff. The stuff that can only come from a God-fearing soul. It has a way of mending the soul, soothing our beasts, and motivating us to act in bold and courageous ways.

I read this book, Redeeming Love, and the man in it named Michael Hosea gives a brilliant and vivid image of God's love for us. This man's love for his seemingly broken-beyond-repair wife is so moving and beautiful that it actually provokes tears to fall from my eyes. The incredible thing is, that's barely even a glimpse into the love that God has for us.

I feel unworthy of God's love, I feel distant from God, I feel too used and broken to even speak His name at times. But love covers all. It redeems. It heals. It forgives. It makes clean. I don't know what some churches are smoking when they only preach about the end of time or just the cross itself without the resurrection... but there's more. There's redemption, there's hope, and above all, there's love. A beautiful love that, like that story I mentioned, will bring tears to your eyes.

To many, this love seems far-fetched and unobtainable. Many will deny such a love exists. Still others may acknowledge it, but then deny they could ever have such a love. Contrary to both, that Love exists and will penetrate to the darkest of places if given the chance. Furthermore, it's available for anyone who seeks it.

I am redeemed. I am forgiven. I am loved.

"Listen to the Lord, O Israel, the one who formed you says, 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine... Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." Isaiah 43:1, 4