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As you know, the New Testament is a collection of twenty-seven different writings. It contains biography, history, theology, philosophy, ethics, poetry, prophesy, and even some economics. But first and foremost, it is God’s love letter to His children.

The ministry of Jesus from start to finish was a revolutionary movement of love. He   simply started loving people that heretofore had either been ignored or despised. Everything He said and did challenged the existing concepts of God.

And if we take Jesus seriously, His revelation of God will be as radical today as it was in the first century. We will have to deal with it in all of the delicate and complex relationships of life. In questions of race, we will have to remember the color blindness of God. That black or white or brown means           absolutely nothing to Him. He loves them all. In business dealings, we will have to remember that our competitors   are included in His love. That He is concerned for their dignity and well-being just as surely as He is for ours. In domestic relationships, we will look at that frustrated and frustrating teenager through different eyes. We will remember that to God he is of more value than the material universe and everything in it.

God’s love is universal. It includes all people everywhere. And any serious attempt at Christian discipleship must somehow come to terms with this basic truth about God.

God is His majesty and power can create a universe that is large and complex beyond imagining. Yet He can focus His love on one person who doesn’t think anyone understands or cares. And here is the most beautiful part – God’s love is a love for which we do not have to audition. He accepts us just the way we are. The only thing we need to do is accept His acceptance.

How many people do you know who, if they knew all there is to know about you would still love you? To how many people would you dare reveal every secret deed?

With God there is no need to pretend. No use to pretend. He knows everything there is to know about us, and He loves us. Many people have misunderstood the message of God’s love. Many have thought of opening up themselves to Jesus, but are afraid. But, my friends, we can afford to open up ourselves to God. We can afford to be ourselves with God. For, you see, God really loves you.

Love is the most powerful, the most permanent, the most redemptive force on earth. It is God’s plan for     redeeming the world. You and I can be part of that by opening ourselves to His love, then going out to love others as He loves us.