Redeeming love

The last couple of weeks have seen much conversation about ‘the redemptive power of love’ as a means of changing the world. But can love redeem? When Paul speaks of his faith, it is not a mere idea, an abstract notion. And when Paul speaks of Christ’s love, it is not a mere idea, an abstract notion.

And so the apostle speaks of an affection - a deep desire to secure good for the one whom one loves. He speaks of a relation - the Son of God dealing with such affection with Paul the sinner. He speaks of action - the Son of God giving himself up for Paul as the active and effective demonstration of love.

Only this love from this Saviour acting in this way is truly redemptive.