How Easter reminds me of God’s unconditional love

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

This is probably one of the most popular Bible verses out there and for good reason.

Talking about God’s love is like talking about a subject that will never end.

If our lives were a school, it will be a class that will be taught from the beginning until eternity, and the best part is we would never be bored. He would have us captivated by the wholesome and unadulterated expressions of his love.

This love is not restricted by space, by time or by sin. Isn’t that wonderful!

 

How Easter celebrations affect me as a Christian

For most Christians, Easter remains one of the major annual Christian celebrations. We see it as time with family and friends and a chance to do fun activities together. These days, we hear about egg hunts, rabbits and what not! And perhaps the import and meaning of this season may have been lost in all the activities during the Easter celebrations. But, what is Easter really about?

For me, Easter remains an intentional reminder of the redemptive work of a loving God.

Celebrating Easter is our way of reliving the story of our salvation – Christ’s death and resurrection and the adoption of every one of us to be children of God.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1 Peter 1:3

This beautiful Bible verse is a reminder that God was intentional about every single one of us.

While the Old Testament was an illustrative representation of God’s love and mercy, the new testament was a better and clearer manifestation of that love.

The old testament provided some glimpses of what was to come. It showed us his assurances and covenants with the people of Israel.

However, the new and better covenant widened the net of his love and allowed us to be pulled in by words so tender and so loving. Words by a father who is not focused on our mistakes and imperfections but holding on to his plans for us plans he had made concerning us, from the very beginning and which he intends to fulfil, if we will trust and obey him.

Missing the redemptive life

My life is a living testimony of this redemption. One where he kept waiting for me while I sought what I thought was the better way.

I had found him as a young teen but thought it was too soon and I was too young to be tied down to a life that was clearly different from that of my peers. Little did I know he had already seen the snares ahead and was trying to save me from the future pain and heartache I was sure to face on the slippery path I had chosen.

“You were bought at a price, do not become slaves of men.”

1 Corinthians 7:23

Maybe you have a similar story, a story that started with this love but you felt it was not yet time. You felt the need to live your life on your terms, to be free and sow your wild oats(even as a woman).

But where has that left you?

Or maybe, you decided to give him your life but you know deep down that a part of you is still out there in the world, burdened by worldly desires and society’s expectations.

“The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Matthew 13:22

We say it’s hard to live fully for God and I completely agree. But is there a better way?

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

 Jeremiah 29:13

Learning to accept God’s unconditional love

I wish I could have told the young Chioma that the path she thought would be good, that middle lane she had chosen, which would allow her to serve God and still live for the world was a dangerous one and could only lead to one thing: death. Death in the spirit and the life he had for me.

But he showed up for me, even in my pain, in my pool of regret and mistakes, he didn’t condemn me. Like the sinners of old, he held out his hand as to a child and told me my sins were forgiven.

See, this life is a constant battle. A battle between good and bad, life and death. Which do you choose?

What do you want from life? God needs us to make up our minds and to choose him.

Imagine if our Lord had been divided in his mission to redeem us. Imagine if he had decided to flee at the time of his death? He could have done it. In his vulnerable moment, he cried out to his father for the cup of death to be taken away but still, he remained.

It is this love that keeps me going. This love by a God who chose to live like a man and still give his life for me.

Do you know this God? Is this the God you speak to in those moments of loneliness and pain or have you let the world’s definition of God crumple your faith.

As you celebrate his death and resurrection, I pray you continually remember him as the God who loves you more than life itself. As the God who is always and ever willing to listen and to help you.

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrew 4:16

Allow yourself to sink into him, allow his loving and life-giving arms embrace you and I pray that you allow him to wipe away every tear in the past, the present and the future.

I pray that beyond this Easter season, you remember and hold on to all that God has done for you and all he will do.

You are dearly loved, I hope you never forget that