Hanningfield Green 

Lawshall 

Bury St Edmunds 

Suffolk 

IP29 4QD 

Just A Thought


James Baldwin the American writer and civil activist once wrote, “Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle; love is a war; love is a growing up.”

These words probably reflect either how he has been treated or how he sees the need to treat others. Whilst we can also probably express our own definition of what we consider love is, God has clearly declared what it actually is in His word. In 1 Corinthians 13 vs 4-7 He states, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, does not boast, is not proud. It is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Sadly, it is something we all fall woefully short of.

However, God, “Commends His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5 v 8). In rejecting the Creator and sustainer of our life the natural consequence is death (Romans 6 v 23). But He has revealed both His love and justice by sending Jesus. God poured out His just judgement against our sin on Jesus when He was on the cross. As a result, He can forgive and welcome any into fellowship with Him who recognize their offence against Him and come to Him in repentance and faith. He, “So loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believe s in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3v16).