Margaret Moore was a miserable young lady. For years she had been dissatisfied with her life and anxious about her soul's salvation. She prayed earnestly and sought desperately to "love God" enough to merit the forgiveness of her sins. Instead, however, the world seemed more and more enticing and her heart seemed further from Him.
At last, despairing of her ability to "register" enough "love" to the God of all the earth to avail for her redemption, Margaret had about decided to throw in her lot whole-heartedly with the godless, self-loving "fun-seekers" of her acquaintance. At least she would grasp and enjoy the "pleasures of sin for a season." God, in His mercy, would wait.
"But God" —! He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
What was known as "revival meetings" were being held in the area. News of a good speaker and rousing music came to Margaret's ears and drew her to the hall. Yes, the music was good and the speaker personable; but what a simple text! "He first loved us." 1 John 4: 19.
Suddenly the critical listener sensed that the message was meant for her—the preacher had singled her out and was presenting her case and arguing her cause. She now listened intently.
"Do you think God requires you to love Him in order to be saved? Examine your heart, dear lost one. Not one particle of love to Him will you find there. If you cannot be saved till you love Him you will never be saved at all. But HEAR THE GOOD NEWS: 'God so loved the world,' and that means you. Ephesians 1: 4. Think of it; rest upon it. The blessed truth is, HE LOVES US?
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10.
The sword of the Spirit entered Margaret's heart with that verse. She now saw God's great love in giving His Son to be the propitiation for her sins. Peace and joy filled her very being, and a stream of love flowed out to Him who had given Himself for her.
Friend, have YOU been trying to love God in order to be saved? How useless are your efforts! Instead, dwell upon His mighty love for you. Meditate on it, and you will gladly say: "I do love Him, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME." 1 John 4:19.
"God's NOW is sounding in your ears,
Oh, let it reach YOUR heart!
From everything but Christ alone,
He bids YOU part."