Jeremiah 31:3 - Comprehending the Love of God.
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) The LORD appeared to us
in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an
everlasting love; I have drawn you with
loving-kindness.
COMMENTARY PEARL
Nothing youve ever done or will ever
do can stop God from loving you. God said in
Jeremiah 31:3, I love you with an everlasting
love (GW).
Do you know how long everlasting is?
Its forever. You cant make God stop
loving you; he will love you forever. His love
isnt based on what you do. Its based on who he
is. The only reason youre alive is because
God made you to love you.
Thats why God sent his Son: For
this is how God loved the world: He gave his one
and only Son, so that everyone who believes in
him will not perish but have eternal life
(John 3:16 NLT).
God wants you to know his love. Even
more, he wants you to feel his love.
Gods love will transform you when you
feel it. It turns somebody who is hateful,
bigoted, or racist into a kind, gentle, and loving
person. When God's love hits your heart, it changes
you.
If your life hasnt changed, then you
dont know God. You cant have somebody as big
as God come into your life and not be changed
by it.
When God's love comes into your life, it
changes how you react to everyone else. When you
truly understand and experience the love of God,
you cant help but pass it on to others.
In fact, Jesus described it like this:
I give you a new command: Love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you must also love one
another. By this all people will know that you are My
disciples, if you have love for one another (John
13:34-35 HCSB).
But it starts with Gods love for us.
The most amazing conversion in the Bible
is of a guy named Saul, who was a religious
extremist that killed Christians. One day, on his way
to Damascus, he encountered the resurrected
Jesus.
Jesus said to Saul, "Why are you
persecuting me?"
Saul fell to his knees and said, "My Lord
and my God."
The man who had once been a religious
extremist became the apostle of love. Saul, now known
as Paul, wrote most of the New Testament,
including some of the most beautiful words on love
ever written, 1 Corinthians 13.
The everlasting, completely free love of
God will do that. It changes lives.
Has it changed yours? [Daily Devotional
by Rick Warren:
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
COMMENTARY
It's hard to make sense of all the tragic
events unfolding in our nation and world today.
When others seem motivated by hatred, greed, and
prejudice to the point where they're consumed by
violence and evil, it's difficult to know how to
respond. In light of natural disasters and
life-ending tragedies, people often ask me, "Why would
God allow such suffering and devastation to take
place? How could this be part of his plan? How can
I trust him when he lets things like this
happen?"
Because I'm a pastor, people expect me to
have answers that make sense or feel right, but
my responses might not be what they want to
hear. The simple answer is that God gives us the
power to choose how we live our lives. It has been
this way since creation, when Adam and Eve
exercised their gift of free will by disobeying God
and choosing their own way. Ever since, we've
been living in a world filled with the
consequences of sinful choices and willful disobedience.
If left unchecked, our selfishness
becomes a cancer. It's only through the grace of God
and the power of Christ that we can be
transformed. Our lives on this side of heaven will always
include pain and suffering. But God loves us so much
that he sacrificed his Son in order to provide
the cure for our sinful condition.
So often, Lord, I can't understand the
suffering taking place in the world today. Yet I know
that you're in control and that your love is
truly everlasting. I will trust in you. [Daily
Power by Craig Groeschel]
I once heard about a teenage girl who
gave her boyfriend a framed picture of herself.
On the front she wrote, "Todd, I love you more
than life itself! Yours forever, Ashley.'
However, later after they broke up, Todd discovered
Ashley had left him another note written on the
back of her picture: "If we ever break up, I want
this picture back - and my mom wants the frame!'
Life often conditions many of us to view
love as temporary and conditional. As a result,
we are tempted to apply the same mindset to the
way God loves us. If we have a good day at work,
we think he must really love us. If the car
breaks down or the kids get sick, then we wonder
why God doesn't love us anymore. But that's not
the way God's love operates.
Our Father's love is permanent and
unchanging. While others may love you today and abandon
you tomorrow, God's love never changes. And
because of his love, you will always be a valuable,
worthwhile individual. His very nature is love and he
sacrificed all he could to show you just how much he
loves you. He gave his only Son to die on the
cross.
Today stop doubting God's love for you
and bask in being his beloved child.
Lord, your love is beyond anything I can
experience from the people in my life. Thank you that
your unconditional love never changes. [Daily
Power by Craig Groeschel]
On an episode of The Simpsons, one of the
characters, Ralph Wiggum, was feeling very sad because
none of his classmates had given him a valentine.
Lisa Simpson had some sympathy for Ralph, so she
gave him a card with a drawing of a train. The
valentine read, I choo-choo-choose you. Ralph
was very moved by that and thought Lisa was in
love with him. But Lisa wasnt in love with
Ralph; she just wanted to be kind.
Lisas valentine would make a great
theological statement: God choo-choo-chooses you. He
did, and He does. But He didnt choose you out
of sympathy; He chose you out of His love for
you.
In the Book of Jeremiah God says, I
have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you
(31:3 NKJV). God personally chose and loved you as
though you were the only person on earth. Jesus
said, You did not choose Me, but I chose you
and appointed you that you should go and bear
fruit (John 15:16 NKJV).
God showed His love toward us in a
tangible way. Romans 5:8 says, But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ died for us (NKJV).
And John 3:16 says, For God so loved the
world that He gave His only begotten Son
(NKJV).
No matter what youre going through,
nothing will ever separate you from Gods love.
Nothing will ever stop God from loving you. Romans
8:38"39 tells us, Neither death nor life, nor
angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things
present nor things to come, nor height nor depth,
nor any other created thing, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God which is in Christ
Jesus our Lord (NKJV). God loves you. [By Greg
Laurie from Harvest Ministries;
https://www.harvestdaily.com]
COMMENTARY FROM CROSS REFERENCES
Unfailing Love
But I trust in your unfailing love; my
heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5
Unfailing love is a key feature of God's
character. The Hebrew word translated as unfailing love
reflects an enduring commitment because of a personal
relationship. God's love doesn't come and go on the whims
of emotion. It is reliable. Also, he expresses
it through action, not just words. God
constantly treats us with unfailing love, and he will
never fail to do so.
He wants us to depend on his unfailing
love. Our hope rests not on our own strength but
on his reliable, committed care for us. When we
call out to him to deliver us, we can expect a
response because of his loving nature. When we have
setbacks and fail to perform as well as we'd like,
his love yet again doesn't waver. He who
demonstrated his unfailing love on the cross will
certainly stand with us as we seek to grow in faith.
God's love endures forever; it is
faithful, true, and sure. [The Daniel Plan 365-Day
Devotional]
More Solid Than Mountains
Even if the mountains walk away and the
hills fall to pieces, my love won't walk away from
you. Isaiah 54:10 MSG
Do you find it hard to believe the depth
of God's love? If it's hard for you to reach
out in love to other people, it may be that you
are not secure in knowing that you are
unconditionally loved. If you are secure in God's love for
you, his acceptance can help you handle the
imperfect ways of other people. You can concentrate on
loving them and not worry too much if they don't
make you feel deeply loved in return.
Meditate on this truth: God's love for
you is more solid than a mountain. Mountains are
slowly worn down by rain, wind, sun, and snow, but
nothing wears down God's love. No earthquake will
shake his love. Nothing bad you've done, no
personality quirk or limitation of yours can undermine
his absolute delight in you just the way you
are. Let his love enrich your life and the lives
of those around you.
Picture a mountain. God's love for you is
much taller and wider, and he promises that his
love will never fail. [The Daniel Plan 365-Day
Devotional]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
I love you with an everlasting Love,
which flows out from the depths of eternity.
Before you were born, I knew you. Ponder the
awesome mystery of a Love that encompasses you from
before birth to beyond the grave.
Modern man has lost the perspective of
eternity. To distract himself from the gaping jaws of
death, he engages in ceaseless activity and
amusement. The practice of being still in My Presence
is almost a lost art, yet it is this very
stillness that enables you to experience My eternal
Love. You need the certainty of My loving Presence
in order to weather the storms of life. During
times of severe testing, even the best theology
can fail you if it isn't accompanied by
experiential knowledge of Me. The ultimate protection
against sinking during life's storms is devoting
time to develop your friendship with Me. (Jer.
31:3; Lam. 3:22-26) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
I love you with an everlasting Love. The
human mind cannot comprehend My constancy. Your
emotions flicker and falter in the face of varying
circumstances, and you tend to project your fickle feelings
onto Me. Thus, you do not benefit fully from My
unfailing Love.
You need to look beyond the flux of
circumstances and discover Me gazing lovingly back at you.
This awareness of My Presence strengthens you, as
you receive and respond to My Love. I am the
same yesterday, today, and forever! Let My Love
flow into you continually. Your need for Me is as
constant as the outflow of My Love to you. (Jer.
31:3; Exo. 15:13; Heb. 13:8) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
Let My unfailing love be your comfort.
Something that brings you comfort should be
dependable, and My Love will never fail you. My soothing
Presence is always with you, but to receive the full
benefits of this blessing, you need to trust Me
wholeheartedly. Comfort is not only for your blessing but
for your empowerment. When you feel secure in My
Love, you are strengthened - and able to do the
things I've prepared for you to do.
Love and comfort go together ever so
naturally. When a small child needs comforting, the
best remedy is often soothing words and a gentle
kiss. Young children instinctively turn to their
parents in such times of need, and you do well to
learn from their example. When you are hurting,
come to Me for comfort. Rest in Me, My child, and
enjoy the gentle kiss of My Presence. Listen to Me
as I rejoice over you with singing. To benefit
fully from My comforting words, memorize
scriptures that will assure you of My Love. Remember: I
love you always - with an everlasting Love. (Psa.
119:76; Zep. 3:17; Jer. 31:3) [Jesus Today by Sarah
Young]
I love you regardless of how well you are
performing. Sometimes you feel uneasy, wondering if you
are doing enough to be worthy of My Love. No
matter how exemplary your behavior, the answer to
that question will always be no. Your performance
and My Love are totally different issues, which
you need to sort out. I love you with an
everlasting Love that flows out from eternity without
limits or conditions. I have clothed you in My robe
of righteousness, and this is an eternal
transaction: Nothing and no one can reverse it.
Therefore, your accomplishment as a Christian has no
bearing on My Love for you. Even your ability to
assess how well you are doing on a given day is
flawed. Your limited human perspective and the
condition of your body, with its mercurial variations,
distort your evaluations.
Bring your performance anxiety to Me, and
receive in its place My unfailing Love. Try to stay
conscious of My loving Presence with you in all that
you do, and I will direct your steps. (Jer.
31:3; Isa. 61:10; Psa. 31:16; 107:8) [Jesus
Calling by Sarah Young]
I am nearer than you think, richly present
in all your moments. You are connected to Me by
Love-bonds that nothing can sever. However, you may
sometimes feel alone, because your union with Me is
invisible. Ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can
find Me everywhere. The more aware you are of My
Presence, the safer you feel. This is not some sort of
escape from reality; it is tuning in to ultimate
reality. I am far more Real than the world you can
see, hear, and touch. Faith is the confirmation
of things we do not see and the conviction of
their reality, perceiving as real fact what is not
revealed to the senses. (Acts 17:27, 28; Heb. 11:1)
[Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
Walk with Me in close, trusting
Love-bonds of joyful dependence. The companionship I
offer you sparkles with precious promises from the
Bible. I love you with perfect, everlasting Love. I
am always with you - every nanosecond of your
life. I know everything about you, and I have
already paid the penalty for all your sins. Your
inheritance - kept in heaven for you - can never perish,
spoil, or fade. I guide you through your life, and
afterward I will take you into Glory!
Dependence is an inescapable trait of the
human condition. Many people despise their
neediness and work hard to create the illusion of
self-sufficiency in their lives. However, I designed you to
need Me constantly and to be joyful about your
reliance on Me. Recognizing and accepting your
dependence increases your awareness of My loving
Presence. This draws you closer to Me and helps you
enjoy My company.
I invite you to commune with Me, your
devoted Companion, in more and more of your moments.
Walk joyfully with Me along the pathway of your
life. (Jer. 31:3; 1Pe. 1:3, 4; Psa. 73:24) [Jesus
Always by Sarah Young]
Relax in My Presence, knowing that
nothing can separate you from My Love. The
worst-case scenario in your life - that I might stop
loving you - is not even in the realm of
possibility. So rejoice that you dont have to perform
well enough to earn My Love, or to keep it. This
Love is pure gift, flowing out of My own perfect
righteousness. It secures your connection to Me - your
Savior - for all eternity.
Since the worst thing imaginable is not
possible, you can relax and live more abundantly. When
things are going well in your life, I want you to
enjoy those good times fully - without worrying
about what is on the road ahead. When you are
facing tough times, I will help you and strengthen
you with My Love. Even though you live in a
world where trouble is inescapable, you can be of
good cheer because I have overcome the world!
(Rom. 8:39; John 10:10; 16:31) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
I am the Gift that continuously gives ~
bounteously, with no strings attached. Unconditional Love
is such a radical concept that even My most
devoted followers fail to grasp it fully. Absolutely
nothing in heaven or on earth can cause Me to stop
loving you. You may feel more loved when you are
performing according to your expectations. But My Love
for you is perfect; therefore it is not subject
to variation. What does vary is your awareness
of My loving Presence.
When you are dissatisfied with your
behavior, you tend to feel unworthy of My Love. You
may unconsciously punish yourself by withdrawing
from Me and attributing the distance between us
to My displeasure. Instead of returning to Me
and receiving My Love, you attempt to earn My
approval by trying harder. All the while, I am aching
to hold you in My everlasting arms, to enfold
you in My Love. When you are feeling unworthy or
unloved, come to Me. Then ask for receptivity to My
unfailing Love. (1 John 4:15-18; Deu. 33:27; Psa.
13:5) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Jeremiah 31:3: Comprehending the Love of
God.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20151018-1556.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
