A Blessing from Martin Luther

Take today’s blessing

From Martin Luther’s pen:

“The love of God does not find,

But creates, that which is pleasing to it. . ..

Rather than seeking its own good,

The love of God flows forth and bestows good.

Therefore sinners are attractive

Because they are loved;

They are not loved because they are attractive.”

(from Luther, Heidelberg Disputation of 1518)

Beloved,

God didn’t search the world over

For a good person

And find you

And thus love you for your goodness.

No, Beloved,

God loves you like a parent

Loves a squishy half-squashed,

Crying newborn baby—

Not attracted because of the baby’s loveliness

But because of fierce attachment.

God loved you from afar

And called you into the light,

And gave you new birth,

And placed you in His Son,

The Beloved,

So He could lavish you

With His undeserved

Unending

Invincible Love.

Luther was right:

You aren’t loved by God because you are attractive—

You are loved by God, so you are forever attractive to Him.