Unconditional Love

What is the greatest love story in the Bible?

When we think of great love stories in the Bible we often think about the story of how Isaac loved Rebecca or how Solomon wed the Shunamite. Then we consider what Paul wrote, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. It is a mystery, but I am speaking of Christ and the church."

When I put the two together, it makes me think that the greatest love story in the Bible should be a picture of the love that Christ has for the church. And when I look at the church, I see many people who were sinners but are now saved by grace. People who didn't deserve the love of God, but experienced His mercy any way. People like you and me.

It makes me think that the greatest love story in the Bible is the story of Hosea and Gomer. The story of a man who found his wife pregant by another man. Not once, but three times. The story of a woman who abandoned her family to prostitute on the streets only to be arrested and sold as a sex slave. The story of a faithful husband, though abandoned and betrayed by his wife heard God whisper to his broken heart - go and buy back your wife and love her, because that is how I loved my church (Israel).

The greatest love story is not just a story of windswept passion, but a story of immeasurable grace. It is a story of a special kind of love... that kind that overcomes human shortcomings and inadequacies.

It is a love that only can come from God. It is Agape love. An unconditional love that lasts forever.

For more listen to the 2/13/2011 "Love Your Wife" sermon at www.eastgatechurch.org