AFTER a gospel address I spoke to a young man who seemed to be impressed by the Word, but I soon found out that he had not heard anything that was said, for he was deaf. Using sign language, I said, "God loves you."
He just looked at me and shook his head, answering flatly, "No, no, I can't believe it. I know He hates me."
"How can you say so?" I asked.
"I once went to a place where a man was preaching, and there was an interpreter for deaf people. He told us that 'God would forever cast us into hell if we did not live holy lives and keep His holy commandments.' Ever since I heard that I've not opened a Bible. I'm afraid to. I've never gone near that place again."
"Why did you come here? You could not hear anything."
"I don't know why I came."
"Shall I tell you?" I asked.
"If you know, you can."
"I'm sure you were drawn here that you might know that God loves you."
"I wish I did know it!"
Taking up a Bible, I turned to John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16), that grand old verse which has brought peace to millions: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The light seemed to shine in, little by little, but still there was a kind of dread. Finally we read together: Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. And, We love Him, because He first loved us (1 John 4:17,1917Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17)
19We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)).
As he read them again and again, the change in his expression was wonderful to see. Taking out his notebook, he wrote down all the passages I had shown him. After saying "good-by," he added, "I see it all now and I praise God for the gift of Jesus."
Can it be that you are deaf—spiritually deaf? Or have your ears been opened to hear the voice of the Son of God? God loves you, and has shown that love in giving His Son to die for you. He has no pleasure in the death of a sinner. If He did, there would have been no need for the Lord Jesus to die. I want you to understand this and to make no mistake about it: GOD LOVES YOU. Just admit you are a sinner, and let that love draw you to Himself.