Who Will Separate Us From God's Love?

Keep Yourself In God's Love

When did you first come to know of Jehovah's love? Likely, your experience was somewhat similar to that of Christians in the first century. The 5th chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans beautifully describes how sinners, once alienated from God, became acquainted with Jehovah's love. In verse 5, we read: "The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, which was given us." In verse 8, Paul adds: "God recommends his own love to us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

In a similar manner, when the truth from God's Word was presented to you and you began to exercise faith, Jehovah's holy spirit began to operate in your heart. In this way you started to appreciate the magnitude of what Jehovah did in sending his beloved Son to die for you. Jehovah thus helped you to be aware of just how much he loves mankind. When you realize that, although you were born a sinner alienated from him, Jehovah had opened the way for humans to be declared righteous with the prospect of endless life, was not your heart touched? Did you not feel a love for Jehovah? -Romans 5:10.

Having been drawn by the love of your heavenly Father and having adjusted to your life to be acceptable to him, you dedicated your life to God. You now enjoy peace with God. Yet, do you at times feel somewhat distant from Jehovah? That can happen to any of us. But always remember that God does not change. His love is as constant and steady as the sun, which never stops sending forth its warm rays of light to the earth. (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17) On the other hand, we can change-if even temporarily. As the earth turns,, half of the planet becomes shrouded in darkness. Likewise, if we turn away from God, even to a limited degree, we may feel a chill in our relationship with him. What can we do to correct that situation?

If we sense some separation from God's love, we should ask ourselves: 'Have I taken God's love for granted? Have I gradually turned away somewhat from the living and loving God, showing various ways a weakening of faith? Have I set my mind on "the things of the flesh," rather than on "the things of the spirit"?' (Romans 8:5-8; Hebrews 3:12) If we have distanced ourselves from Jehovah, we can take steps to correct matters, to return to a close, warm relationship with him. James urges us: "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." (James 4:8) Take to heart the words of Jude: "Beloved ones, by building up yourselves on your most holy faith, and praying with holy spirit, keep yourselves in God's love." -Jude 20, 21.

Next time: Changed Circumstances Do Not Affect God's Love

Watchtower, 2001