‘I beg you, Lord, let the fiery, gentle power of your love take possession of my soul, and snatch it away from everything under heaven, that I may die for love of your love as you saw fit to die for love of mine. Amen.’ - Francis of Assisi
The love of God:
Fiery enough to awaken hearts of stone and turn them to hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).
Gentle enough to not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick (Isaiah 42:3).
Perfect enough to cast out fear (1 John 4:18).
Deeper than feelings or emotions, it is the very person of God (1 John 4:8).
It is God who in love sends His Son (John 3:16).
It is God who in love welcomes enemies as friends (Romans 5:10).
And it is God who in love reveals Himself exposing any of our attempts to find love outside of Love Himself.
Lord, in the middle of our half-hearted pursuits, and divided affections, reveal a greater glimpse of Yourself to us. For Your name sake, amen.
Love,
AB