BUT GOD

BUT GOD

This expression appears in several of Paul's letters. For example in (2 Cor 7:5-7), we see Paul in a very discouraged state. Actually this great apostle states in verse 5 "When we arrived in Macedonia there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside". Just imagine, this is Paul the apostle confessing to having fear! But notice how he starts the next verse "But God, who encourages those who are discouraged,-----". (NLT) Yes even great men like Paul can become discouraged by times, "but God" always comes to the rescue! In this case it was by the arrival of Titus with good news about the church in Corinth. Another example of Paul using this expression is in (Eph 2:4), after stating the sad condition of every one of us in verses 1-3, that we were all born in sin, he begins verse 4 "But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Jesus from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)" (NLT). In my opinion, this second chapter of Paul's letter to the Ephesian church, gives us a very clear picture of both the universal need of salvation, as well as how to receive it!

Just in these two uses of this expression "But God" by Paul, we can see clearly that they apply to us all, at some time or other. Certainly we were all born as sinners, and I expect that we have all been discouraged a few times. We should be greatly encouraged to know from God's Word that He is concerned about every one of us humans. This supernatural [Agape] love of God is so far above and beyond any sort of natural love that we can muster up, that we find it hard to understand. In (John 3:16) where we read that God loved us "so much that He gave His one and only Son", John used this Greek word [Agape] to describe this supernatural love. Whether we can really understand it or not, we can all take advantage of God's offer of His supernatural [Agape] love. First we need to receive it, and then we need to extend it to all those we come in contact with!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer