Rory Synoground Ministries International
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| Pastor Rory Synoground |
I hope this letter finds you
well and filled with the joy and peace that come from knowing the love of God.
Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on a fundamental truth that is at the
very heart of who God is: love.
In 1 John 4:8, we read
these simple yet profound words: "He that loveth not knoweth not
God; for God is love." Stop for a moment and let that sink in. God
is love. Not just a loving God but Love Himself. It's a concept that can be
hard to grasp, but when we begin to understand it, it changes everything.
The word love
here is translated from a Greek work “Agape”, which literally means: “to
give unconditional love affectionately.”
When we say, "God is
love," we're not just talking about a warm fuzzy feeling or a sentimental
idea. We're talking about the very essence of who God is. Love is His nature,
His character, His identity. That means that God gives unconditional love affectionately,
all the time.
When we begin to grasp this
truth, it transforms the way we see ourselves, our relationships, and the world
around us. Think about it like this: if God is love, then every act of love,
every expression of kindness, every moment of compassion is a reflection of His
nature.
God's love for us is
unconditional, unwavering, and unchanging. It's not based on what we do or
don't do, what we deserve or don't deserve. His love simply is and is given to
each and every one of us, no matter who we are or what we've done.
In verse 9, John goes on to
say, "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that
God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through
him." This is the ultimate expression of God's love: sending His
Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us, to teach us, to show us what love looks
like in action.
Jesus didn't just talk about
love; He lived it out in everything He did. He healed the sick, he comforted
the broken-hearted, he forgave the sinner. And ultimately, He laid down His
life for us, demonstrating the depth of God's love in the most profound way
possible.
God's love isn't just something
we receive passively; it's something we're called to share with others.,
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another"
(1 John 4:11).
Our love for others should be a
reflection of God's love for us, overflowing from the abundance of what we've
received from Him.
Unfortunately, there's a common
misconception that following God means living under a set of oppressive rules
and regulations, that He's some kind of distant authority figure waiting to
punish us for our mistakes. But that couldn't be further from the truth. As the
Word of God makes clear, "God is love," (1
John 4:8), and love never demands its own
way (1 Corinthians 13:5).
So, if you've ever felt like
you had to earn God's love or perform for His approval, I want to encourage you
to let go of that burden. God's love for you isn't based on what you do; it's
based on who He is. And He loves you more deeply and completely than you could
ever imagine.
When tragedy strikes, or even in
the midst of your pain and sorrow, you can take comfort in the knowledge that
God is with you, that He loves you, and that He will never leave you or forsake
you (Hebrews 13:5). He is your refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
So how do we know when God's
love is at work in our lives? How can we recognize it amidst the chaos and
confusion of everyday life? The answer is simple: When there's an act of
giving. Love always gives affectionately. Love never takes. “Love bears all
things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8).
When we see acts of kindness
and compassion, when we experience forgiveness and grace, when we encounter
sacrificial love that puts others first, we can be sure that God is at work.
Because God is love, and wherever love is present, He is there.
God loves you more than you
could ever imagine. His love for you is unconditional, unwavering, and
unchanging. And it's my prayer that you would experience the depth of His love
in a real and tangible way today.
Once again, I want to thank you for your prayers and for the
donations you have given to this ministry. I encourage you to stand in faith
and believe for a mighty harvest. “Be not deceived God is not mocked,
whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.” (Galatians
6:7)
I declare the 100-fold return on your giving. (Mark 4:8)
If you have any prayer requests let us know and we will pray for you. I will continue to pray Psalm 91, Ephesians 1:13-23 and Ephesians 3:14-21 for you and your family. God bless you richly in all things.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Pastor Rory Synoground
TOGETHER WE ARE REACHING THE WORLD
"THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE...." (John 17:21)
Rory Synoground Ministries International / www.rsmifreedom.org / 1110 24th Ave SW Austin MN 55912
