The love of God does not find, but creates, that which is pleasing to it. The love of man comes into being through that which is pleasing to it…the love of God which lives in man loves sinners, evil persons, fools, and weaklings in order to make them righteous, good, wise, and strong. 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…Christ says: “For I came not to can the righteous, but sinners” [Matt. 9:13]. This is the love of the cross, born of the cross, which turns in the direction where it does not find good which it may enjoy, but where it may confer good upon the bad and needy person. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” [Acts 20:35], says the Apostle. (LW 31, Heidelberg Disputation, 1518)
Filed under: Devotions, Freedom of the Will, The Bondage of the Will, Justification & Sanctification, The Christian Faith & Good Works, Law & Gospel, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, Luther & The Reformation, Study Resources, The Holy Bible, Holy Scripture, The Word of God, The Small Catechism, Part 2 - The Creed, The Theology of the Cross, Theology & Doctrine | Tagged: Attraction, Cross, Heidelberg Disputation, love, Luther, Sinners |
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