The gospel is the proclamation of free love; the revelation of the boundless charity of God. Nothing less than this will suit our world; nothing else is so likely to touch the heart, to go down to the lowest depths of depraved humanity, as the assurance that the sinner has been loved -- loved by God, loved with a righteous love, loved with a free love that makes no bargain as to merit, or fitness, or goodness.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the unconditional nature of God's love for humanity, regardless of their shortcomings.
Horatius Bonar’s quote encapsulates the essence of the gospel as a message of divine love and charity that knows no bounds. It speaks to the transformative power of God's love, suggesting that it is this unconditional affection that can truly reach and uplift even the most despairing individuals. By highlighting that God's love does not depend on personal merit or virtue, Bonar underlines its accessibility to all, which is a central tenet of Christian beliefs.
In practice
In a sermon about forgiveness, this quote can illustrate the depth of God's love for sinners.
Be much alone with God, and take time to get thoroughly acquainted. Converse over everything with Him. Unburden yourself wholly -every thought, feeling, wish, plan, doubt- to Him...He wants not merely to be on good terms with you, but to be intimate.
Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die; another's life, another's death, I stake my whole eternity.
Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be; lead me by thine own hand; choose out the path for me.
Some cry: 'Love me!!' Others: 'Don't love me!!' But a certain genus, the worst and most unhappy, cries: 'Don't love me and be faithful to me!!'
Beauty grows in you to the extent that love grows, because charity itself is the soul's beauty.
Love alone can explain the mysteries of Love.
I want to write stories that are different from the ones I've written so far, Junpei thought: I want to write about people who dream and wait for the night to end, who long for the light so they can hold the ones they love. But right now I have to stay here and keep watch over this woman and this girl. I will never let anyone-not anyone-try to put them into that crazy box- not even if the sky should fall or the earth crack open with a roar.
My brothers and sisters, may the spirit of love which comes at Christmastime fill our homes and our lives and linger there long after the tree is down and the lights are put away for another year.
Sometimes I think my husband is so amazing that I don't know why he's with me. I don't know whether I'm good enough. But if I make him happy, then I'm everything I want to be.
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