We know how much God loves us and we have put our trust in his love. 1 John 4:16

 

We’re often so used to a counterfeit, that it’s profoundly moving when we encounter irresistible, genuine love.

 

Mpho was one of 50 children at an orphanage in South Africa. As soon as she could extend her little arms, she wanted more snuggles than any other child. Everyone got used to holding Mpho and enjoyed her utter delight at being in their arms. Mpho’s house mother in the orphanage was more than happy to freely love the little girl who longed for love, in the same way that God invites us to freely receive His love. It’s God’s Spirit Who moves the human heart to long for that genuine love, to hunger for it and that hunger is designed to lead us to God. Sadly, we often turn to Him last.

 

The Bible book of Isaiah declares God’s offer: “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! …. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love promised to David” (Isaiah 55:1,3).

 

Has God’s Spirit put a longing, a hunger in you, for a love that never changes, never fails and never ends? Little Mpho’s hunger for love filled her life with it. When satisfied by God, our hunger for love can lead us to a new life filled with His irresistible, genuine love. We can then say with the writer of the Bible book of 1 John: “We know how much God loves us and we have put our trust in his love” (1 John 4:16).