When you give a gift to someone, ideally it is something that you give freely as an expression of affection, friendship or at least respect for another.  God so loved that He gave…freely, without strings attached, unreservedly and extravagantly.   Listen to the Lover of your soul as He exclaims:

How beautiful you are, my love, how beautiful! Your eyes are soft as doves’.  Your perfume is more fragrant than the richest of spices.  I have loved you, dear bride, with an everlasting love; with loving-kindness. I have loved you very deeply. If you could see me now you would realize that I rejoice over you with great gladness. Indeed, I dance with the joy of loving you all the while singing a happy song.  With my love, I will calm all your fears; with   my love I will protect you, for my never failing love is like the walls of a fort. How sweet is your love, my treasure, my bride! How much better it is than wine! “My dove is hiding behind some rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see you, let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and you are lovely.” How beautiful you are, my beloved, how beautiful! Come; come swiftly to my side that we may rejoice together in our love. I am drawing you to me.  (Taken from: Jer. 31:3, Zeph 3:17, S of S 1:15, 2:14, 4:1, 10, Ps. 31:21, Mal. 1:2, 1 John 4:9, Ps. 145:8-9) 

Can you sense His love for you right now?  Do you understand how much he treasures you?  Do you realize He loved you so much that He gave you everything He was, everything He had? It has been said that if you were the only one He would have willingly, gladly given His all just for you. 

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Eph 3:17-20  (Msg)

Love is God’s very nature, and He placed that aspect of His nature within each and every one of you at the moment of conception.  Deep within every woman is the desire to be loved and to love with abandon.  You were created to love extravagantly.

Love must give, extravagantly.  But also loves unconditionally; regardless of their actions or beliefs. That’s how you’re to love your spouse, favorite family member, and co-laborers in Christ.  But this kind of extravagant love is also how you’re supposed to love your co-workers, the difficult relative and neighbors too….because that’s how God loves you…unconditionally, whether you deserve it or not.  He loves you consistently, not just when you’re good.  That’s also how He expects you to love others. 

I’m not talking about mushy love that just gives and gives and gives, and looks a lot like a door mat.  Sometimes extravagant love will need to take on the characteristics of tough love.  And I recognize that there will be times when it’s just not in us.  We’re too tired, too hurt or stressed or angry to manifest any love at all, even tough love.  At those times draw on the love of the Lord.  Ask Him to love through you ‘cause you just don’t have it in you.  Ask and it will be given to you.  Are you ready for that kind of love?  GET READY!  Because if you ask you will receive.  All my love…Chris McQuay

Posted under Heart to Heart