The Father's Lavish Love
21st August 2024
From the Pastor’s Heart – The Father’s Lavish Love
Dear precious people at CLIC,
Today, I want to write a short note of encouragement to you, reminding you of the Father's love that is lavishly poured upon you (1 John 3:1).
The word “lavish” means to give in abundance, to be extravagant in generosity. This is how God loves you—extravagantly and without measure.
How do we know God loves us? There are many ways, but 1 John 3 suggests two profound truths. First, Christ laid down His life for you (1 John 3:16). And more than that, you are also called the beloved children of God (1 John 3:1-2).
Because of this lavish love, we can be assured that no matter what we face, the love of the Father is always greater:
The love of the Father is greater than fear.
The love of the Father is greater than disappointment.
The love of the Father is greater than condemnation.
The love of the Father is greater than bitterness.
The love of the Father is greater than unfaithfulness.
The love of the Father is greater than sickness.
Today, and every day, may you begin your day with hearts filled and overflowing with God’s love. How do you know when you are filled with the Father’s love? You begin to love others even when you don’t feel like it because you can no longer contain the overflowing, unconditional, lavish love of God within you.
May Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 be answered in our church, that we may abound more and more in love, with knowledge and discernment.
Lastly, I want to encourage you to meditate on the book of Philippians as we embark on a 12-week journey to immerse ourselves in this book. When we do so, our lives will inevitably be transformed and changed by Christ.
May the love of God fill you and overflow from you as you begin this precious day that the Lord has given you.
With the affection of Christ,
Ps. Kenny