Unfailing Love

We are told that one in four women experience domestic violence. Less-publicised figures reveal that domestic violence is some seven times higher in de facto relationships than where people have publicly committed themselves in marriage.

People may talk about "love", but are looking for personal satisfaction rather than life-long commitment. They may "promise the earth" - or give all that is asked of them - but the promises have a narrow, selfish end in view. The professions of "love" aren’t the love that "never fails" that Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 13.8 - no matter what people may claim.

Psalm 33 calls people to joyful songs of praise. Why? "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love" (vv. 4,5).

God’s word is never devious or false. Righteousness, truth, faithfulness, justice... - these are the qualities he constantly exhibits in his relationship with us.

"The earth is full of his unfailing love." This doesn’t mean that all we see in the world is proper and good and loving as God intended it. There has been a Fall. Yet God’s love and grace continue to reach to each new generation, calling for repentance and offering forgiveness - and a restored relationship. Every person is being offered that new relationship - that’s why Jesus came!

"The earth is full of his unfailing love." Ever get depressed about the news? In some ways we see things going from bad to worse. Some say the end must be getting close! Well... only God knows that!

Someone has said that "depression is the darkroom in which the devil develops negativity."

Paul wrote, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (Phil. 4.8).

We do have choices about the things that will fill our minds, focus our attention, set our outlook... In this mixed-up fallen world, we can choose to notice the signs of God’s love and grace - and to know that his love and grace surround us, no matter what.

As more of us learn to do that, courage and certainty will begin to flow out to all with whom we have to do day by day.

Prayer: Eternal Lord, it is so easy for us to spend our days noticing all the negatives - the signs of human brokenness and sin. It is so easy for us to be aware that we ourselves fall far short of what we ought to be. Today we receive the assurance that the earth is full of your unfailing love. By your forgiveness and grace, enable us to experience that day by day. Grant us to notice those human acts that are evidence of your unfailing love at work in human hearts and lives. Enable us to bring certainty and courage to those who only see darkness and despair. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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