With Loving Kindness Have I Drawn Thee

 

Jeremiah 31:2-4

³ The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Jeremiah writes of what the Lord says to him regarding the people of Israel.  The Lord says that He loves them with an everlasting love and has drawn them to Himself with loving kindness.  This sounds so sweet and comforting.  Not only did God say that He loved them but He loved them with an everlasting love. 

Everlasting means lasting forever or a very long time; lasting or continuing for an indefinitely long time.  God lets Israel know that He has loved them and will continue to love them forever.  How comforting and reassuring it is to know that God’s love will continue for an indefinitely long time, throughout eternity. 

Not only does He love them with an everlasting love but He shows them kindness – kindness that is motivated by His love.  He was eager to do what was best for them if they would allow Him to, if they were obedient. He warned them about their sins but He also reminded them that He loves them. 

God loves us but He does not love our sins.  He loves us too much to leave us in our sins, so He sent Jesus.  Jesus loved us enough to endure the Cross and die for our sins.  Our sins separate us from God but our repentance will cause us to draw near to God.  God is not giving up on you, He is drawing you to Him with love. 

He will warn you about your sins with love.  Why? Because He loves you too much to leave you the way you were when you gave your life to Him.  God is well aware of who you are and what struggles or sins that you need help with.  And in spite of all of that, He still loves you and me. His love is everlasting.  Just let that sink in…His love is everlasting.

God’s love will continue for an undefined period of time.  He is lovingly drawing us to Him so that we can become more like Him.  I know others may not love you for long, or may have given up on you, but God is not one of them.  He is God and His love is everlasting.

I don’t know about you but my heart is so encouraged to know that God loved me before I was born and will continue to love me.  He is drawing me closer to Himself with love and as I obey, I will become more like Him and enjoy the sweet relationship that He wants to have with me.  Yes, with me. 

So, if you are looking for love, here is the best love available.  The love that comes from the only One that can love you forever.  He is drawing you with loving kindness. Accept His love and draw near to Him.  You won’t regret it.