Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies – Psalm 36:5
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
This month in Bible Study, we have been studying the book of Hosea. This is a great book to be studying during this month that is associated with love. The material titled the section God’s Outrageous Love. What an appropriate title. Webster defines outrageous as “exceeding the limits of what is usual,” and “not conventional or matter-of-fact.” This is certainly a great description of God’s love. His love goes far beyond the limits of what is usual. We see through the message of Hosea, and throughout history that His love is not conventional. It is, really, unbelievable.
This month of intensified focus on love is difficult for a lot of people. For many singles, it highlights that we are single. For many who are in bad relationships, it highlights their pain. Indeed, if we focus on what the world has to offer in the way of love, we are all lacking. There are limits to this kind of love. Last night, I was reminded by a worship leader that I am lovable and I cannot be loved more than I am loved by God. This is good news and it is good news that we can share with others who have felt the limits of earthly love. Rather than focusing on what we don’t have, let’s rejoice in what we do have and share the outrageous love of God with those around us this month and all year.