Romans 5:5 And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. This love — I. IS NOT NATURALLY REVEALED TO MAN. It beams on all, like the sun which shines whether the clouds hide his heat or not. So God's love always exists, although the clouds of sin may dim and obscure its rays. It existed in Paradise, in the fall, when man is most depraved and dark. It exists amid all the sin of the earth, in the wretched corners where crime and vice exist. It exists amid all the negligence with which God is treated. II. IS NOT APPRECIATED OR RESPONDED TO. If it were, the lives of men would be far different to what "they are. The reason is that clouds of sin and its effects intervene to prevent its influence. For the most part men keep in the shade when they might live in the warmth and brightness of the sunshine. III. MUST BE FELT AND RESPONDED TO. It is impossible to be a child of God without. For to realise the love of God is the only foundation on which we can build any substantial hope for the future. Nothing but love could consider guilty, fallen creatures, or have contrived a method of salvation. Nothing but love can guide us safely through life and through death. IV. CAN BE REALISED AND APPRECIATED. 1. The method — "shed abroad." God does nothing with a niggardly hand. The love of God is not sent in a puny dribble; it comes like the waters of an incoming tide, mighty, resistless. His love fills the soul and surrounds it and permeates our nature. 2. The place — "in our hearts." The heart is the spring of life, and metaphorically is the centre of spiritual life. It is the heart that is said to feel love. And so it is represented that the heart receives the love of God. Our hearts receive all the blood from the body, and then, after purifying it, sends it back to all parts of the body. So we are to receive the love of God in the heart to be distributed over all our life and actions. 3. The means — "by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." The great King always uses means. The Holy Spirit is the appointed channel through which all the graces are sent from heaven to earth. (1) The value of the Holy Spirit is, it is always a present means. It is not "should" be given, but "is" given. (2) The certainty of the blessing. Like the Holy Spirit, it is always present. (3) The value of the gift — the love of God. What will not love accomplish? What will it not attain? The love of God is infinite. And if we appreciate it, if we share it, if we enjoy it, then is our lot the most blessed. (U. R. Thomas.) Parallel Verses KJV: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. |
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