backwards mirror of loving people

The logical side of me heavily influences the way I 'consume' scripture - it's something I've come to embrace & enjoy. Recently, it has caused me to consider some scriptures backwards. I started by asking myself whether I gave freely, especially in the area of grace (Romans 3:23), came to the conclusion I didn't & found myself questioning how freely I truly believe I have been given (Matthew 10:8) grace.

That got me to Jesus' boiled down version of the bible

Love God - Love people

Now approached head on, I convince myself that I do love God (and for the record, I do). However, if I come at it backwards by asking how much I truly love people (including the less lovable ones!), I'm left with a wholly unconvincing picture of my love for God (1 John 4:12). I find this a healthy place to be, one of fuller comprehension rather than of condemnation and wouldn't want anybody to feel like they're getting beaten up - that's just not my style. Challenging yes - a bully no.

Now on a roll, I wanted to go on and explore whether there was a backwards reason that might help me unlock a greater love for God and I came across Luke 7

...therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little

Matthew Henry in his commentary puts it like this

Loving much is not the cause but the effect of her pardon

Let's face it, even a good me ain't that nice, but to know that I can not be loved anymore than I am by God almighty Himself is quite mind blowing. The thing is, the more I get that, the more I will love Him and the more I love Him, the more I will love people.

Enjoy God's backwards kingdom

Jonathan