"All we need is love…"

“All we need is love…”  a song from yesteryear. The Beatles bring a melody to a common thought on the human mind. Perhaps you don’t know the song; the words say it all: “All we need is love.”
It all sounds so ‘simple’ yet is far from all that. God’s love is deep, real deep – it only depends on one thing – God’s love alone, depends on Him! He is love-He is faithful. He’s trustworthy, always the same –  Jesus laid down His life for us, not because of great things we have done, – not at all , that thought’s insane!
it’s simply because God’s love is ‘other’s centered’ –always, unconditional, even non-reciprocal! He loves, because He is Love…it doesn’t depend upon us! God’s love keeps on loving even when not received, even when it is made to ‘be quiet’, even when there is no response – God’s love isn’t, “I’ll love you if you love Me.”
God’s love is not ‘give and take’. God’s love ‘Gives, then waits…’
Who is patient and suffers long anymore? God is…to be sure. Read His word and walk with His Son-not one bit of political correctness in Him, will you find.
The letters are written. The Book is complete. Gems tucked in the pages that do even more than speak. There is power in the word, that cuts to the heart…
Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” Matthew 11:28, Jesus’ own invitation, and yet many simply delay…they believe the lies that He points His finger, “Do this”, or “Do that, or I won’t love you this day!”
That is not Jesus! That is mankind – the natural man who is nothing by himself- only conditional love to find! Are we kidding ourselves, that ‘good lies within.’ Let’s be honest- there is a self-centeredness inside… and God calls this ‘sin!’
“That’s what I mean, Christians are so judge-mental!”  you might react and cross your arms in front of your chest  but let’s get the perspective from God up above, “ALL have sinned and fall short of His glory.” (2). This includes you and me and every race! This includes the good, the bad and …you know the story.
Here is love calling, Himself, calls and speaks:  “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” This is love, in Jeremiah 31 verse three.
and God waits,…He suffers long. He is patient and kind and seeks not His own way. He is not rude, He’s not puffed up. (1).
He’s misunderstood, He’s rejected each day. He’s the ‘Father of Light’, and He loves…He loves…He is our example, moment by moment –  He is the Way.
His love is like no other. Human brains cannot comprehend. But there is no power – no power at all, to love…with ‘true’ love,…without Him.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (2).
“Yes, yes, yes, I’ve heard that before!”  I even could recite it when I was only 4!”
God’s love depends on God alone. God’s love is faithful. Beyond earthly thought, so far above…trusted always and forever – above all we can imagine! Higher than the heavens, uncomprehensible!
It was never about us, being acceptable and good… We have been messed up since Eve ate the fruit!
God’s love is always willing, to see the best about the person you can’t.
God’s love is always ready to defend the one  that is last… and the broken. He is willing for ‘the least’ to stand.
Behold! Look! Hear and glean…this is God’s love in 1 Corinthians 13!
(1) 1 Cor. 13. “God’s love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud,never haughty or selfish or rude. God’s Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone [with the kind of love that God gives and supplies ],  you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. God’s love never fails.” (Living Bible).
Today, can we sing a melody and even add a harmony – with 3 major chords and a minor in the middle. We sing about God’s love, God’s love is able. What the world needs now is God’s love- but how? Winter’s been long, it’s time for spring – Can we put off the old, and allow God to ‘do a new thing?’
“Come to Me, I allow you to be ‘you’. Don’t hide who you are. I even know right now, it’s true. I can take your anger and all your disappointments, I can listen to your bitterness and take all your sin – other’s can’t handle all that’s in and within!
I AM able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you can imagine, (3). I offer forgiveness and grace and mercy and compassion. Come to Me now, lay your life down. Surrender your way and the sin that has chained you. I have the key to restore and much more  than that – with the love and the grace that I give to you, you will then be able to follow through – and have that love and grace to forgive others too!
The joy of the Lord will again be your strength. Even when others refuse to love you, you will will be strengthened to let My love continually flow, yes My grace is sufficient wherever you go. ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you, and you will dwell in My house as I dwell in your praises. You are washed and made clean, set aside what you ‘know’ and grow and grow in My grace, seek My word and My face!
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (4). And the Spirit of the Lord…is love. Can you hear My voice now? “I have loved you with an everlasting love...” with lovingkindness have I drawn you? My dear child, talk with Me now.”
“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they won’t overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you won’t be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord…You are precious in My sight and I love you. ” (Isaiah 43:2-4).
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(1) 1 Corinthians 13.
(2) “John 3:16.
(3). (Ephesians 3:19,20,21)“…and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. 20Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
(4). 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Author: Toni Rypkema

I'm a believer in Jesus. Because of this, I am married to a wonderful husband and the mom of a large family. For those who have battled cancer, or any other tragedy or disease, you might understand, I had a choice to get better or bitter. I chose to give thanks to Jesus for my every breath. For that reason alone, wanting to proclaim His goodness, do I write - Toni