For the Love of God
I’ve heard people say in frustration, “oh, for the love of God.” I don’t think for a second that was a praise for their trouble, which is what the bible says we’re supposed to do, as hard as that is; but I heard a song on the radio, actually titled “For the Love of God,” which gives this phrase a more positive spin. I will capture some of the lines, but you should go listen for yourself.
In this song, singer Andrew Ripp says that he saw mercy seated where the judge should be, that he was guilty and getting out of jail free…and where would he be if not ‘for the love of God.’ Wow…do we ever really think of our salvation on that level? Where would I be if He hadn’t pulled me out of the miry pit that I was in? You might say, “I was raised in church, I’ve not been in the pit.” I promise you, we ALL have a pit…it may not be a self-dug hole of sin and rebellion, but it may be impure thoughts or a hidden addiction. The truth is, we ALL fall short, and wherever it is you fall short, that’s your pit. BUT God!!
When you stop and think about all the times He’s rescued you from danger or He closed a door you thought for sure you were supposed to enter…it’s countless. What about the times you’ve screwed up, all the while, you KNEW you were screwing up, yet, He loved you then and loves you now. Only when we examine our failures and mistakes do we understand the depth of His grace and His never-ending love.
One of the lines in the song asks, “How could it be I didn’t get the life I deserved, and the only thing He wanted was my life in return.” God doesn’t ask much of us to receive that ‘get out of jail free’ card. In our own minds, we can’t fathom why God would do that for us when we’re so messed up. But that’s what He loves to do…it’s what He wants to do for everyone…and all it takes is saying yes to Him and no to yourself.
Another line Andrew Ripp sings over and over is “Hallelujah for the love of God.” Yes, we should be praising Him 24/7 for His mercy and grace, His forgiveness and love! Oh, for the love of God…Hallelujah!!!