Oh, Love That Would Not Let Me Go

Love, the heart connection, the speech interpretation, the chain breaker, and the soul binder. The word that rests easily on the tongue of many but differs in cranial comprehension.

Gospel Mogul Kirk Franklin penned the song Love. He described love as a word that comes and goes, but few people really know what it means to love.

In Christianity, we know that God is love. However, when words collide with emotions and chemical reactions occur, vision becomes blurred, and actions are now based on feelings. Essentially, the heart wants what it wants, but there is no room for love to take its course until we are in a place of vulnerability.

In other words, if God is love and there is no room for love, then the statement proves there is no room for God. Amidst man's obscurities, God finds it to wrap us closely to his bosom even when we hurt or have developed a case of selective amnesia. At the end of the day, there is no shadow that God will not light up to rescue his children. No mountain He will not climb up to get your attention. Because He loves us with everlasting love, condemnation has no power over His measures. Because we are the sheep of His pastures, we can freely experience life with the ultimate lover. When others walk out and turn their backs, there is one who traded His life for yours. His love surpasses parental units and overshadows fear, shame, and doubt. Like a mother who nurses her child to wholeness, God loves us to life during our broken and deteriorating states.

Though we wander to please our flesh and turn a deaf ear to His call, love will never let us go. Even through the fire, love will not let go; love will not let go through the flood. Love calls, saves, heals, and delivers. Love has an anchor that is steadfast and unmovable. Love holds the past, present, and future in his hand; Love defies imperfection and justifies chords to life's song. There is no easy escape from the arms of love; there is no heartbreak from his love. We are commanded to love those despitefully use us (Matthew:44).

Love has a name; love is a name! Love accepts us as we are, and there is no need to work for His grace. Emphatically we receive a service that He already paid for. There is no need for fanfare, stage play, or initiation process. We have a seat at the table that says we are loved, called, and accepted. Though the flood gates may come and hope is but a float, love would not let us go. Love is the name that makes demons tremble, the name that speaks things into existence, the name that removes the veil from blinded eyes, the name that liberates the shackled and enslaved. In the pressing, the crushing, love is making new wine from the vineyard of eternity and the storehouse of peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. [John 14:27]

In a nutshell, God knew what we needed and made provision before we even thought about it. The onus is on us to make our vessels available and tune out the negativity that perpetually saturates our retina. Unplug the earplugs of sweet-nothings and clothe thy nakedness in truth. Let us not be consumed by the poison Ivy's and thirsty Mathews that flock the surface of social media. Nothing can separate us from the vine. Even when we are undeserving, love is always abiding. Swift to listen, slow to anger and speak. The intentionality of love goes beyond the alphabetical or phonological arrangements.

Love is patient, kind, does not envy, boast, or dishonor; is not proud, self-seeking, or easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. [Corinthians 13:4-5]

Remember the time you fell and thought grace was nowhere to be found? Redemption was not an option. The stares and side comments were unbearable, and the only thing left to do was put an end to life. In the moment, you felt like earth's lowest scum, and every door closed in your face. No one to redeem you, the ones who once said, "I love you, and I mean it!" were nowhere to be found and, in some cases, were the ones pointing fingers and wanted to disassociate themselves from you. Then came that song that reminded you of how much God loves and how his grace is sufficient. Grace stopped by to say hello, followed by love wrapping His arms around you, then came forgiveness.

Love, redemption, grace, and forgiveness found you. Truth is, they never left. When we try to walk outside the will of God, it might look smooth sailing, and we might feel as though we have made it, but when storm is at bay, we find anchor in the secret place. The place we thought of long before we knew it was needed. Like the children of Israel, God loves us with an everlasting love. [Jeremiah 31:3]

Like oil, we can pour our cares at the feet of God. He will usher us into his presence. He will protect us like a mother protects her nest. He holds us in the palm of his hands and will raise us like an eagle. Nothing is below his pay grade, and love never lets us go.

He kept you during your lowest and loved you back to life. Essentially, God will never abandon us. Even in the darkest moments. There is a peace that transcends all. He sends a reminder that he is love. Like oil, pour your cares, like a babe, let love caress your worries and fears. Rest your weary heads on his bosom, unleash your inhibitions on the one who cares enough to love you through your unlovable moments. Remember, It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." [Deuteronomy 31:8-ESV]

Launch out into the deep and let no man despise your youthfulness. God makes beautiful things out of dust and broken crayons still color. There is no limit when God is in it. Remove self-imposed roadblocks, deter the unsolicited distractors and bask in the beauty created. Love is the name. Love has a name and is the beginning to the end without man's validation. The factory of love is outpouring, and each time the thought of condemnation comes, remember, oh, love that will never let you go.