A prayer for ceaseless love by Dr. Charles Stanley.

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to

separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Romans 839.

As Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gassimini

on the night before his crucifixion,

Judas Iscariot approached him with a band of men.

The betrayer stepped forward and kissed the Lord's cheek.

And what was Jesus' response?

According to another disciple, Matthew, he called the man friend. Judas expected Jesus to establish

his kingdom on earth and drive the Romans out of Israel.

Anyone who could calm a storm at sea could easily remove an impressive government.

But Judas' interest in Jesus was more personal and political than spiritual.

In fact, John reported that his fellow disciples stole from the money box.

Today, the man's name is synonymous with those who betray others for

personal gain. In spite of Judas his greed, blind ambition, and betrayal,

Jesus never stopped loving him. He still used the word

friend to address the one-time disciple. The Lord does not place conditions on his love or reject people who fail to meet certain standards.

He simply cares for us as we are.

People cannot earn Jesus Christ's love and friendship.

He takes the initiative, reaches out, and draws into fellowship

those who are willing.

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