The Way to God and How to Find It · Chapter
I: “Love That Passeth Knowledge” explained
Moody opens his book by focusing on the profound truth of God's love, which surpasses human understanding.
What happens
Moody opens his book by focusing on the profound truth of God's love, which surpasses human understanding. He illustrates how a simple message like 'God is Love' can pierce the heart of a prodigal, and he contrasts human love, which is conditional and changeable, with divine love, which is unchangeable and unfailing. He uses the powerful analogy of a mother's enduring love to help readers grasp the depth of God's affection, and he encourages sinners to approach Christ with the same boldness and faith as a little girl who sought a pardon from Abraham Lincoln.
Themes in this chapter
The Love of God
The central theme of the chapter, emphasizing that God's love is unchangeable, unfailing, and distinct from human love. It is a love that pursues sinners and is stronger than even a mother's love.
Human Inability and Divine Grace
Highlights the contrast between human love, which is conditional and often fails, and divine grace, which is offered freely to sinners despite their unworthiness.
Faith and Belief in Christ
The chapter encourages readers to approach Christ with simple faith, like the little girl who went to Abraham Lincoln, believing that He will hear and answer their prayers for salvation.
Characters to notice
- Moody
The author and narrator, who shares personal anecdotes and pastoral counsel to illustrate the love of God.
- Jesus Christ
The central figure whose love is described as 'passing knowledge' and who is presented as the one who will have mercy and pity on those who come to him.
- Abraham Lincoln
Used as an example of human compassion and mercy, whose willingness to pardon a soldier is compared to Christ's willingness to save sinners.
- Unknown Narrator
The 'poor prodigal' who sees the 'God is Love' sign and is deeply convicted, representing the target audience of Moody's message.
- The Master
Referenced in the context of the Father and Son desiring to come and abide with believers, highlighting the intimate love of God.
- Columbus
Used as an analogy to illustrate that while one may discover something great, like the love of God, there is always more to explore and understand.
Key passages
“If you can convince a man that you love him you have won his heart.”
Showing genuine love to someone is the most effective way to earn their trust and affection.
Moody uses this principle to explain why it is crucial for people to understand that God loves them.
“It is just because God loves the sinner that He hates sin.”
God's hatred for sin stems directly from His love for humanity, as sin harms the people He cherishes.
This clarifies the distinction between God's attitude toward the sinner and His attitude toward sin.
“If Abraham Lincoln had compassion on that little girl, heard her petition and answered it, do you think the Lord Jesus will not hear your prayer?”
If a human leader can show such mercy, how much more will Christ, who is infinitely more compassionate, respond to those who seek Him.
Moody uses this analogy to encourage believers to approach Christ with confidence in His willingness to save.
