The love of God to us

     There is the story of Sven and Olga in northern Minnesota and their marriage of 20 years.  Olga was tired of never hearing from Sven that he loved her.  So Olga went to their pastor and told him that she wanted to divorce Sven.  The pastor asked her why.  Olga said, "He hasn't told me that he loved me for 20 years!"  The pastor went to Sven and asked him about Olga's report.  Sven said that it was true that he hadn't told her that he loved her in 20 years.  The pastor asked him why he hadn't told her that he loved her all those years explaining that a woman needs to hear that from her husband from time to time.  Sven said, "Well, I told her I loved her when I married her and nothing has changed.  If something changes I'll be sure to tell her."  We're a lot like that.  We want something we have always had but didn't recognize that we have that and nothing has changed.  I'm talking about the love of God.  He told us that he loved us and nothing has changed.  He still loves us.  The difference is that he will always love us all.  Even when we complain that we don't feel the love of God in our lives.
     Unlike God, people say that they are in love with someone and then when something happens or doesn't happen those people are suddenly disposable.  A wise pastor once said that a marriage license should cost $5000 which was, at that time, the cost of a divorce.  Imagine today having to ante over $10-15,000 for a marriage license.  I would imagine people might take a second look at their investment with another person's life.  Yet, here we are in a world that changes partners like they change their socks.  I was once asked, as a therapist, what I felt about prenuptial agreements.  I told the person that I didn't believe in them as that was a sign that the people didn't think their marriage would last.  Contingencies are not a part of our relationship with God and shouldn't be with those we love.  Living in any relationship where our worth is measured by man instead of God is horrible at it's best.  God has stated that he loves us and nothing has changed.  Do you believe that in your life?
     I'm sure that Olga and Sven are still married and still living with their ways.  Olga tells Sven that she loves him and Sven brings her fresh flowers he picked along the road.  Olga tells Sven that she loves him and he takes her to the movie she has been waiting to see.  You see, saying the words, "I love you." takes many forms.  We seem to navigate through life utilizing our definition of love while missing out on God's full meaning of love.  The love of God to us is absolute.  It cannot change.  He expresses his love to us through nature, friends, spouses, children, and many others in this life.  Whether we recognize the love of God or not is another thing.  He loves us through history and will love us through eternity.  He even loves the lost.  He made a choice to show his love in a very real and public way back in history.  He came to be born of a virgin, lived a life with and as a carpenter, entered the mission field and was crucified all because he loved you and I.  God chose to die for me!  God chose to die for you!  He did that because his love has never changed.  On the cross no one heard a voice saying, "I love you."  But he did say it.  It's your choice now.  It's always been your choice.