Reply To: Soteriology (Laity) 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

[VictorKachi]

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your profound insights as it pointed out a very important aspect. I’d love to contribute and delve deeper while maintaining the context of this essay.

Absolutely! As you pointed out, the Holy Spirit is the agent of Love – Not any love though but God’s love poured out by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5).

The presence of the Holy Spirit in one’s life brings about a comforminty between God’s love and friendship love.
In john 15:15, by calling his disciples friend, Jesus emphasizes that friendship love is embedded in God’s love demonstrating that God’s love is not just a distant, paternal affection but a personal, relational love.

Here’s a story that would shed more light on your insights

As a devoted friend to Sarah, you found out Sarah had a conflict with someone and she firmly believed she was in the right. As her friend, you wanted to stand by her, but you also recognized the importance of being truthful. So, how do you navigate this situation?

To be frank, the love of friendship alone isn’t enough for sound judgment. Without the love of God, which is empowered by the Holy Spirit in our hearts , there’s a risk of being biased or judgmental.
God’s love is pure; it isn’t one-sided and doesn’t depend solely on emotions, sympathy, or mercy.
God balances both Mercy and Judgment.

How does God’s love lead him to discipline lovingly and yet provide restoration?

Hebrews 12:6, Proverbs 3:11-12, Revelation 3:19
God’s discipline is a manifestation of His love, aimed at correcting, refining His children and restoration.