Romans 5:8. But God commendeth (demonstrated) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
So here we go again, another Sunday and that means another trip to the house of God for praise and worship, spiritual renewal and confidence building. But this is also a special Sunday, Thanksgiving Sunday, where we raise the level of our thanks all over the country, for all that the Lord has done for us. And it’s interesting that after I picked a song for today’s worship, I found myself wondering if I had picked one appropriate for Thanksgiving.
But then something told me, of course you have! This is the best song you could have picked because the topic of the song is the biggest thing we have to give thanks for in this crazy world. And that’s quite true, for the name of the song is ‘Jesus LOVES Me.’ And what else is there in this world that we should be more thankful for than eternal life and salvation earned through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary? Absolutely nothing is bigger and more important than that in the life of a human being!
“Jesus Loves Me” is a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915), an American writer, the author of several books, and of poems set to music as hymns and religious songs for children. The lyrics first appeared as a poem in the context of an 1860 novel called Say and Seal, written by her older sister Susan Warner (1819–1885), in which the words were spoken as a comforting poem to a dying child. And with its simple, direct message, it is one of the first hymns missionaries teach to new converts. But it’s also very appropriate for adults.
So, enough talk, let’s get to offering up our sweet sacrifices of praise on this Thanksgiving Sunday, in a mid-tempo, scintillating heartfelt version of the song, letting the whole universe know how thankful we are for Jesus and His incomparable, unconditional, everlasting LOVE.
Singing: ‘Jesus LOVES me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong. (Refrain: Yes, Jesus LOVES me! Yes, Jesus LOVES me! Yes, Jesus LOVES me! The Bible tells me so.) Jesus LOVES me! This I know, As He LOVED so long ago, Taking children on His knee, Saying, “Let them come to Me.” (Ref) – Jesus LOVES me still today, Walking with me on my way, Wanting as a friend to give Light and LOVE to all who live.
(Ref.) – Jesus LOVES me! He who died Heaven’s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in. (Ref.) – Jesus LOVES me! He will stay Close beside me all the way; Thou hast bled and died for me, I will henceforth live for Thee (Refrain: Yes, Jesus LOVES me! Yes, Jesus LOVES me! Yes, Jesus LOVES me! The Bible tells me so.)’
And you’d better believe that it does, in oh so many ways and places, that if you read the Bible, you will have absolutely no doubt about it! Listen to this most illuminating verse that Bruh Paul wrote to the Roman church: ‘But God commendeth (demonstrated) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8)
Wow! That’s one of the most important verses in the Bible! Why? Because it proves just how much God LOVED us; in that while we were yet sinners, yes, while we were still His enemies, He sent Christ to save us. If that doesn’t prove how much God cares for His human creation, then I don’t know what does!
And if that verse doesn’t convince you, then listen to these from Jesus Himself, as He enlightens the Jewish leader Nicodemus. ‘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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17) Now tell me, why would you want to save a proud, disobedient, disloyal creation if you did not care deeply for it eh?
Then there are also these verses from Bruh Paul to the Romans, where he confidently proclaims: ‘For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God.’ (Ron. 8:38-39) How much more do you want to hear to convince you eh? There’s much more, but we don’t have time for it. There are other things to explain; like what is God’s LOVE called?
This commentary explains it thus: ‘In the New Testament, the Fatherly LOVE of God for humans, is called AGAPE, as well as the human reciprocal LOVE for God. In Scripture, the transcendent AGAPE LOVE is the highest form of LOVE, and is contrasted with EROS, or erotic LOVE, and PHILIA, or brotherly LOVE. And true LOVE in God’s opinion, always entails qualities like sacrifices, generously giving of oneself, being merciful, compassionate, sympathetic, kind, generous, and patient. And that’s the example He showed when He sent Jesus to die on our behalf; one of Divine LOVE!
And don’t for one moment think that God LOVES only believers in Christ Jesus, for that’s the furthest thing from the truth. As this commentary informs us: ‘Even when Jesus was being killed by people that hated him and mocked him and rejected him, he said “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Jesus LOVES people whether they respond to his LOVE or not. And God is exactly like Jesus (Hebrews 1:3). God LOVES everyone, not just believers.’
And we should try to follow in their footsteps as closely as humanly possible, for that’s God’s plan for His human creation. And we’ll close with these encouraging and reassuring words form the Godtube website. The Bible tells us that God loves each and every one of us, despite our sins and faults. Be comforted by the simple lyrics of ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and remember that our Creator is almighty and ALL-LOVING. He is with us each step of the day and will never leave our side. We may be weak, but He is our strength.’ Let’s not forget that on this Thanksgiving Sunday of 2025! Much LOVE!
…LOVE is God’s greatest attribute…and should also be ours…
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