I was standing in line at a store when a beautiful young woman came thru the doors. She was wearing a stunning outfit. I stared as she walked past me. Stamped on the back of her satin black jacket, in neon pink letters were the words, “Jesus Loves Me!”. The inspiration for "JESUS LOVES YOU, BUT..." was birthed there on the retail store floor.
“Jesus” is the most polarizing name in the world and those who call on The Name, trust in the power of The Name to an extent, to work miracles for sure, to live holy, not so much. While not every person has agreed to being adopted and becoming a son or daughter of God, Jesus loves every person without reservation, per John 3:16. He is actively roaming the earth working out all kinds of sorted situations that we find ourselves in as humans. He shows up for those who love Him and for those who do not. Christianity does not own the patent on Jesus' love.
Jesus loves all people and this fact is likely why there's a misunderstanding regarding what that love paid for, ACCESS to relationship with God. Using The Name does not make a relationship. He requires more. You must be born again (John 3:7), which activates the personal relationship. He wants charge of your soul, daily. In John 6, Jesus says to His disciples that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood has eternal life. Later in that same chapter, the bible says that many of His disciples turned back and walked with Him no more. The cost has not changed.
JESUS LOVES YOU, BUT ... it is not His love for you that is in question. Is it your love for Him? If you love Me, keep My commandments (John14:15). The goal for Jesus Loves You, But...is to start the conversations with our apparel!
Chaplain Dorcus Cater, MDIV., BCC
