“And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:42-44). “Why can I not feel the love of God,” cried the man who sat across my desk pouring out his soul, telling me his story of heartache and pain. He went on to describe how for many years after his youthful conversion he devoted himself to prayer, study and worship. He sang about God’s love. He taught others about God’s love. He casually conversed about God’s love. Yet, now he could not “feel the love of God.”
The Bible talks greatly about this concept. Two entire chapters in the New Testament are devoted to the qualities of love (1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4). Perhaps the best-known verses, however, are found in the Gospel of John (3:16) where God’s love for the world is declared by the death of His Son.
Most Christians, however, have those times when they feel like the gentleman who visited me. Most well-meaning Christians will have times when they just cannot “feel the love of God” for them. The reasons for this may differ, but more often than not, it is due to something that is admirable, but out of balance in our thinking.
If you look very carefully at the man’s statement to me, you will notice that his expectation was more like that of a consumer of God’s love, which seemed more a good that he could purchase. Performing more and performing better were supposed to elicit grand feelings of God’s love. While there is no debate that as His children we should be all about good works and the propagation of righteous living, to see it as the source of God’s love is faulty. By this estimation, the widow’s mite would mean that she would scarcely feel even the twinge of God’s presence. Yet, we know that the very opposite is true. It seems as if she is loved more.
Truth be told, the love of God is not the product of the things you can offer God, but because you are His. He does not even base it on how you feel about Him or you, and God does not expect you to manufacture the feelings of love. What He does expect is that you acknowledge the manifestation of His love and rest fully in it. Let that love give you hope, confidence and full assurance.
God’s love is not a simple feeling, hurt or otherwise. Rather, His love took action and purchased you from your sins. So, again, in this day, as you ponder, sing about and teach the love of God, realize it stems not from what you do, but who He is – your Maker and Savior. He loves you. Perhaps you simply need to slow things down and consider how that love has been manifest in your life.
