Amazing Grace: Covenant Love in Spheres - Reformed (1 John 4:7-8)

Imagine the bustling streets of London in the late 18th century, where carriages clatter over cobblestones and the fog hangs thick in the air, obscuring the faces of countless souls hurrying to their daily lives. In the midst of this bustling city, one man stood resolute against the tide of injustice: William Wilberforce. His love was not merely a fleeting emotion; rather, it was a covenantal love—hesed—that demanded action, rooted deeply in his faith and compassion for the enslaved.

Wilberforce, a man of privilege, could have easily turned a blind eye to the suffering of those he would never meet. Yet, he felt the weight of responsibility tugging at his heart—a divine calling that beckoned him to advocate for the voiceless. For decades, he poured himself into the arduous work of legislation, tirelessly navigating the halls of Parliament, armed with nothing but fierce conviction and the belief that love must extend into every corner of society. His journey was long and fraught with opposition, but he pressed on, fueled by a love that envisioned a world transformed.

As he penned poignant letters and rallied his peers, Wilberforce embodied the essence of 1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God." His love was structural, a blueprint for justice that sought to dismantle the chains of oppression. It was a love that called for reformation not just in hearts, but also in laws and institutions, reminding us that our faith compels us to act.

Today, we are invited to reflect on our own spheres of influence. How are we expressing this covenant love in our communities? Are we willing to engage in the work of transformation that God has set before us? Let us be inspired by Wilberforce, who loved with purpose and hope, demonstrating that true love does not simply feel; it acts, it reforms, and it changes the world.