EVERYBODY NEEDS LOVE

READ: 1 John 4:7-15

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 32-34

From the cradle to the grave, we all need love. How vividly this is illustrated in the song “Jesus Loves Me” by Anna B. Warner (1824-1915). She and her sister Susan were gifted novelists. Anna also published many poems. The familiar lines of “Jesus Loves Me” were penned in 1860 as a poem of comfort spoken to a dying child in one of Susan’s stories. Today it’s sung by children and adults around the world.

When a famous theologian visited a leading US seminary, a student asked him, “What is the greatest single thought that ever crossed your mind?” Expecting a profound answer, the class waited breathlessly for his reply. He bowed his head in thought and then slowly lifted his head and said, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

But why is Jesus’ love so important? Because His love is not some sentimental, easy-going acceptance of sinners. It’s a sacrificial love that absolved us from our guilt and took the burden of our sins when He died on the cross for us (Rom. 5:8).

Jesus’ love is so important because He is God in the flesh. And only He can meet our deepest longing – our lifelong need for love. – Dennis De Haan

Jesus loves me! He who died

Heaven’s gate to open wide;

He will wash away my sin,

Let His little child come in. – Warner

The cross of Jesus is the supreme evidence of the love of God. – Oswald Chambers