Augustine was the most influential theologian of the Western Church! And among his many contributions to Christian theology and philosophy, he dedicated quite a bit to the topic of love.
For Augustine, love was the way to transcend individualism; to abandon selfishness. In fact, he defined sin as misdirected love. He notes that true love is reflected in God’s own nature. God is love, St. John says. Augustine echoed that theme throughout his writings.
To say, “I love you,” only has meaning if it reflects how God wants that love directed. If “I love you” is used as a tool for manipulation, or false passions, or heresy, it is not love expressed but sin. For sin is misdirected love. Love gone wrong; love unrestricted by biblical truth; love going the opposite way of righteousness.
This morning, we come to share in that sacrificial love of God in Jesus Christ. Christ never misdirected love. Christ directed love towards sinners and we come as those forgiven by that love.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Let us come to worship the God of Love: Father, Son, and Spirit!
