1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Like many people I take a few minutes on most days to scan the local newspaper. But I don’t just look for stories about what’s happening in my community or in the world; I look for news I can use. I’ve learned that if I pay attention, the daily news will give me plenty of material for preaching and teaching illustrations! This week I was not disappointed.
Just this morning I saw an article with the title:
“Wisconsin company offers cuddling for a price.”
Now, when you see something like that you just have to read the story, don’t you?
The article went on describe a business in Madison, Wisconsin, called “The Snuggle House,” that offers customers an hour cuddling and hugging with “professional snugglers” for $60.
I laughed out loud! But then I went on to read that city officials are concerned “The Snuggle House” is a front for illicit activity and are investigating the owner about a number of possible violations.
While the article made me snicker, I probably shouldn’t be surprised. Human beings are created with a need for love and will do almost anything, including paying a total stranger for a hug, just to feel loved. The problem is, of course, that what we often settle for is not love at all, but something far less.
John defines the love of God expressed in Christ like this:
This is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
So, according to John, what is love and how do we know we are loved?
Simply put, John is saying that love is sacrifice.
You know you are loved when someone puts your well being ahead of their own. You know you are loved when someone is willing to sacrifice their good on behalf of your good. You know you are loved when someone is willing to lay down their life that you might live.
Love is not a professional “snuggler.”
Love is not what you feel when you see an attractive member of the opposite sex.
Love is not what you feel about chocolate chip cookies.
Love is a powerful emotion; but it is also more than a powerful emotion. Love is an action; love is a decision; love is pursuit; love is a willingness to sacrifice.
Love is what you feel when you know that someone would sacrifice their time, their wealth, their status; their comfort; and even their life for your well-being.
The Bible says that’s what God did in sending Jesus into the world. In Jesus God pursued you in love; in Jesus God gave himself for you; in Jesus God sacrificed his own life that you may live.
Therefore, you are loved.
Let me say that again: you are loved!
Whatever you think of yourself; whatever you would change about yourself; whatever you are ashamed of about yourself; whatever love you have or have not received from the significant others in your life; know this: you are loved now; you have always been loved; and you will always be loved.
In Jesus God has made it very clear how he feels about you.
Lord Jesus,
We all so desperately want and need love. So often we settle for that which is not love; or we look to people for the love we can only receive from you. Help us to know and experience the depth of your great love for us. Amen.
Pastor Brian Coffey
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