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John Mark McMillan wrote the song How He Loves, following the news of one of his best friend’s tragic death.

In an interview with Relevant magazine he says, “Really, what it came down to is I was angry with God. I didn’t quite know what to do with those feelings, but through that anger and resentment, I was able to see the heart of God in it all. God was able to take something terrible and show me something through it.”

His anger and confusion led him to his music, and ultimately a conversation with God.  In a short video documentary McMillan expresses more about the kind of love he sees God as having.

He said, “This song isn’t a celebration of weakness and anger. It’s a celebration of a God who would want to hang with us through those things, who would want to be a part of our lives through those things, and, despite who we are, He would want to be a part of us, our community, and our family.”

As the song plays, you hear these words:

“Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes”

When this song played at my home church last Sunday, this line jumped out at me. It is not the fear of condemnation that drew crowds to Jesus as He walked the earth, but rather His love for sinners and the sick.

To end this blog post, I want to challenge you:

How do you show people Christ in you?

Do you use fear?

Do you speak empty promises?

Or do you offer the same grace that drew you in?

Luke 13:34-35 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”