The intensity of divine love

Why the cross? Why did God come to earth to die a gruesome death? Why did He reach out to the most broken, hopeless people? I think almost every human would agree that love is the greatest treasure. It seems that most people, whether they realize it or not, strive and strain throughout their lives to be validated and accepted; loved. We are such broken people. We are so insecure. Or should I say that I am so broken and insecure? Is it true that God really sacrificed everything and died to make us whole again? Out with the old, in with the new. He wants to transform the hopeless into the confidently loved. Jesus told His disciples, "Greater love has no man than this, to lay His life down for His friends." What a powerful statement! Not only Jesus consider me His friend, He showed the greatest love the world will ever know by dying on the cross. If I only could realize the intensity of this divine love, everything would be different. I must keep my eyes on the cross. When satan tries to deceive you into thinking that you are not worthy receive the love of God, just nod your head, but then realize that you do have His love. Of course we're not worthy. We did nothing to earn it, but that's part of the beauty of this divine love. It is completely unmerited and sacrificial. That is why it is great, not just because of the sacrifice, but because the love was given to enemies. By receiving Jesus, I have received everything. Jesus came for the sick. So when you feel like you are sick and worthless, look at the cross. God gave it all up to redeem and restore you. Don't ever give up. The greatest disservice we could do to God would be to think that the cross was not enough. Make that the goal of your life, to discover the intensity of God's love for you. Everytime you see how unloveable you are, look at the cross a thousand times more and see the love of God for you.

As I recall with my stomach turning
I was hiding away from myself, away from you
Like nothing, though something was terribly wrong
And I admit that I was only waiting for the right time
Night time, the right moment for you to look away
Though you never did, I pretended for a while
So I could walk where I don't belong

And I remember every word you said
Come back in time, come back
And I remember I would soon be dead
Now so pitiful, so pitiful

But I know as I hammered those nails into your beautiful hands
Your eyes still try to search for mine, but I look away
Now your eyes are the only thing that can save me
I'm still afraid of them piercing
You're breaking into my prison
Just pretended for a while
My soul is dying
I won't look away

And I remember every word you said...

I'll remember every word you said
This time I won't look away
- Blindside "Pitiful"