God's two loves. The scriptures
reveal that God's love is not a single undifferentiated stream. Rather, it flows in two distinct
channels, a general love that embraces all mankind, and a special
saving love reserved for His chosen, redeemed, and regenerated
people. To understand the difference
is to marvel more deeply at His mercy and grace. Objects of God's
general love all people. God's general love is universal
in scope. Every heartbeat, every breath,
every moment of health and joy, every meal set before sinner
or saint alike is a token of His benevolence. The atheist
who denies Him and the believer who adores Him are alike sustained
by His daily kindness. This love is rooted in His character
as Creator, overflowing even toward those who despise Him.
Objects of God's special love, believers only. Yet Scripture
reveals a deeper, saving love, one that is particular, electing,
and redeeming. This special love is not bestowed
upon the world at large, but upon those whom He has chosen
in Christ, before the foundation of the world. for whom Jesus
shed His blood and to whom He gives His Spirit. It is the love
of the shepherd for his sheep, the bridegroom for his bride,
the father for his adopted children. Nature of God's General Love
Physical Blessings God's general love expresses itself in physical
mercies, sunshine and rain, food and shelter, beauty and order
in creation. These blessings, while precious,
are external only, touching the body but leaving the heart unchanged. Nature of God's Special Love
Spiritual Blessings God's special love pours out spiritual treasures,
the forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, adoption
into His family, the joy of communion with Him, and an inheritance
in glory. These blessings transform the
soul, conforming the believer into the likeness of Jesus and
securing an everlasting relationship with God. Duration of God's general
love. Temporal. The tokens of His general
love last only for this life. When the sinner dies, the common
mercies cease, and without Christ, there remains only the fearful
expectation of judgment. duration of God's special love,
eternal. But His special love endures
forever. It began in eternity past, was
displayed at Calvary, is experienced in the believer's daily walk,
and will be perfected in the glory of heaven. It is unchanging,
unbreakable, and unstoppable. O soul, if you have tasted only
God's general love, do not rest content. His common mercies are
but shadows, pointing to the greater reality of His saving
grace. Flee to Jesus, and you will know
a love that death cannot end, sin cannot exhaust, and eternity
cannot measure.