Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that we might be redeemed unto eternal life. I, a servant of the gospel, write to you, dear brothers and sisters, scattered among the congregations, united by faith in the Savior, to stir your hearts afresh to the boundless love of Jesus, our Lord and King.
Greetings and Thanksgiving
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, who has lavished upon us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places through His Son! I give thanks continually for you, hearing of your faith in Christ and your love for one another, which springs from the hope laid up for you in the gospel. May you abound yet more in the knowledge of His love, which surpasses all understanding.
The Love of Jesus Revealed
Consider, beloved, the love of Jesus, which is the very heartbeat of our salvation. From eternity past, the Son, being one with the Father, looked upon us in our sin and misery—not with disdain, but with compassion. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). This is no mere sentiment, but a love proven in action—poured out in blood upon the cross, where He bore our guilt, that we might stand blameless before the throne.
Was it not for love that He left the glory of heaven, taking the form of a servant, humbling Himself even to death? Was it not for love that He endured the scorn of sinners, the weight of wrath, and the sting of betrayal, crying out, "Father, forgive them"? Herein lies the mystery of His love: it seeks not the worthy, but the weary; it pursues not the righteous, but the repentant. You, who once were far off, have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). O wondrous truth—that the King of glory should call us His own!
The Love of Jesus Sustains
And do not think, dear ones, that His love ceased at Calvary. No, He is risen, reigning at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us without fail. His love is a living power, sustaining you through every trial. When the storms of this world rage, when doubts assail your soul, when the enemy whispers lies, it is the love of Jesus that anchors you. "Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). Cling to this promise, for it is your shield and strength.
The Call to Abide in His Love
Therefore, I urge you, as those redeemed by so great a love, to abide in it daily. Our Lord Himself commands us, "Abide in My love" (John 15:9), and how shall we do this but by faith working through love? Draw near to Him in prayer, feast upon His Word, and gather with the saints, for these are the means by which His love fills your hearts. Let not the cares of this age choke out the joy of His presence, but cast every burden upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Moreover, let His love flow through you to one another. "This is My commandment," says our Savior, "that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). Forgive as you have been forgiven; bear one another’s burdens as He has borne yours; and proclaim His love to a world yet in darkness. For we are not merely recipients of this love, but ambassadors of it, called to reflect the heart of Christ in all we do.
Exhortation and Hope
I know, beloved, that many of you endure hardships—some face persecution, others wrestle with weakness, and still others mourn the brokenness of this fallen age. Yet take heart! The love of Jesus is not diminished by your struggles; rather, it shines brightest in your need. He who wept at Lazarus’ tomb, who touched the leper, who welcomed the outcast—this same Jesus walks with you now. His love is your inheritance, sealed by the Holy Spirit, until the day when faith becomes sight and we behold Him face to face.
Final Blessing
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. May the love of Jesus dwell in you richly, guiding your steps until He returns or calls you home. To Him be glory, honor, and praise, forever and ever. Amen.