How High, How Wide, How Deep Is This Love

We all have personal stories we’d rather not tell; of regret, failure or others we may be ashamed to share. And it’s easy to think we stand alone in this category.

However, nothing could be farther from the truth. We are not alone.

Peter denied Christ thrice (John 18:15-27). Thomas doubted his Saviour (John 20:24-29). The woman at the well failed all relationship tests you can imagine (John 4:4-28).

These were real people with real experiences but their stories have a common thread; they failed in many ways but their failures did not define their final outcome.

In Christ, they found an ever faithful Friend, who in spite of their failures, loved them… more than they deserved — John 15:13.

Recognise your starting point

The prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 ignored his father’s plea and left home. The world was his oyster, or so he thought.

Unfortunately, his quest for freedom almost derailed his destiny when he made one fatal decision. He chose the pursuit of his own pleasure over the presence and provision of his father.

Does that describe you today? Have you ‘blown’ it and think there’s no longer hope for you? Do you feel like you’re at the end of the tunnel because you have failed God several times?

Can I tell you something? We are all broken and messed up, except for the abiding and unbroken love of Christ.

But redemption only starts when you quit doing life your own way, ‘come to yourself’ and surrender all to Christ.

That’s your starting point and you must recognise it.

Embrace His sobering conviction

Peter was convinced his walk with Jesus was ‘secured’. He was destined for greatness and everyone in the fold knew it. But he failed to deal with the inner forces against his soul.

Satan had it all out for Peter. Asides Judas perhaps, no disciple’s fall from grace hit harder than Peter’s. On the most critical and decisive night of his life, he denied Jesus three times.

Not long ago, he had sworn his allegiance and life to defend the cause of Christ, whatever the cost — Matthew 26:31-35.

That night, Peter broke his promises in terrible fashion. As his eyes met that of Christ, he was convicted of his sin. The weight of his guilt was so heavy he wept bitterly.

Unlike Judas though, Peter’s conviction and brokenness kept him in, not away from, the circle of grace in the community of other Christ followers — Matthew 28:16, Mark 16:14, Luke 24:10-12, John 20:3-8,19-20, 21:1-3.

For in Him, we find full restoration.

So when the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, embrace it… however sobering.

How deep is This LOVE!

Thomas doubted Him. Peter denied Him. The Samaritan woman sought men’s love and acceptance instead of Him.

However, Jesus came seeking them all; not to revenge but redeem, not to reject but restore and not to punish but purify.

When I look at my life, I was the worst of sinners but He forgave all my sins and wiped my record clean.

Like the father of the prodigal, His arms are wide open. He will clean up your mess, give you a royal robe and literally throw a party in heaven — Luke 15:7.

With Thomas, He patiently obliged him — John 20:24-28. With the Samaritan woman, He engaged her with empathy — John 4:7-26. With Peter, He restored him fully — John 21:15-17.

And to you He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3) and “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

When others turn their backs on you, remember you have in Jesus Christ an ever faithful friend.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash