It’s hard to get past the very first sentence of chapter 3.
The ESV puts it this way: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
The KJV puts it this way: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”
And the NIV puts it this way: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
John is inviting us to do something that I love to do – PONDER!. He is inviting us to ponder just how awesome, just how marvelous, just how how incredible the love of God is.
Some time ago I spent some time doing just that and put my pondering in the form of a poem.
HOW MUCH MORE
How much more could Christ have done than what He did so long ago?
And yet today He fills my heart with a joy that overflows.How much more could He have done than when He set this captive free?
And yet today I taste the fruit of His awesome victory.How much more could He have done that when He rescued me from sin?
And yet today He gives me hope and helps me find my strength in Him.How much more could He have done than save my soul eternally?
And yet I find that in this world I live with joy and power and peace.
How much more, O how much more could He do in you and I
If Christ alone became the greatest treasure in our lives.
How much more, O how much more could He really do in us
If our hearts could fully grasp the mighty power of His love. (Refrain)
How much more could He have done than break the chains of doubt and fear?
And yet today when I despair I find that He is always near.How much more could He have done than to create new life in me?
And yet He fills my soul with songs that I cannot help but sing.How much more could He have done than make things right with God again?
And yet today He walks with me as if I am His greatest friend.How much more could He have done than prove His love at Calvary?
And yet today I am reminded of His faithful love for me.
How much more, O how much more could He do in you and I
If Christ alone became the greatest treasure in our lives.
How much more, O how much more could He really do in us
If our hearts could fully grasp the mighty power of His love.
As you have time I invite you to spend some time pondering the incomparable love of God in a way that you can come back to again and again. Perhaps it too is a poem. Or a song. Or a journal entry. Whatever way you choose, the love of God is worth pondering again and again.
May this brick encourage you to ponder just how remarkable the love of God that has been expressed to you by Jesus on the cross truly is.
Shay, your poem is awesome! You did a awesome job! I believe you should ask Jeffrey, the Praise Band, and/or the lady will the short, thick white hair to put it to music. What an awesome praise and worship song that would be to our Lord and Savior!