Unshakeable Truth: The Steadfast Love of God
A Foundation of Faith
The Bible is woven together with a central, unshakable truth: God’s steadfast love. This profound reality is revealed most clearly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, it’s easy to take this fundamental aspect of God’s nature for granted, especially when faced with the brokenness and tragedies that surround us.
A Personal Struggle
Sam Storms, author and theologian, recently found himself grappling with the reality of God’s love in a new and fresh way. A series of devastating events, including a massive earthquake in Turkey, left him questioning how a loving God could allow such suffering. This cognitive dissonance forced him to re-examine the Scriptures and confront the tension between God’s sovereignty and love.
The Bible’s Pervasive Theme
The steadfast love of God is a pervasive theme throughout the Bible, particularly in the Psalms, where it’s mentioned hundreds of times. This Hebrew concept, hesed, is often translated as loyal love, mercy, or kindness. Storms immersed himself in these passages, finding comfort and reassurance in the numerous incidents of Jesus’ love and kindness, such as his touching of a leper and his forgiveness of a repentant prostitute.
A Look of Love
One powerful example is the story of Peter’s betrayal and subsequent encounter with Jesus. Storms wonders what kind of look Peter received from Jesus in that moment. Was it one of disappointment or condemnation? Or was it a look of steadfast love, one that restored Peter and brought him to repentance?
A Call to Re-examine
The love of God is a topic so familiar to Christians that it’s easy to take for granted. However, it’s often in the midst of trials and painful situations that we’re forced to re-examine what this love means for us. As a pastor, Storms has seen this pattern play out in people’s lives over the years. We tend to assume we understand the implications of God’s love, but it’s only when we’re confronted with difficulties that we’re compelled to ask, “What does this love mean for me right now?”
Redefining Love
In recent years, the broader culture has redefined love to mean “love is love.” This simplistic and misguided notion has led to a watering down of the true meaning of love. Storms argues that we need to get straight about what love is and isn’t, recognizing that God’s love is not just an action, but his very nature.
A Transformative Force
Storms’ journey of re-examining God’s love has transformed him into a strong advocate for this fundamental aspect of God’s character. His book is a testament to the power of Scripture to bring healing and transformation, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt. As we delve deeper into the steadfast love of God, we’ll find ourselves more confident in his goodness and greatness than ever before.
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