Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0895A recorded on May 27, 1984 teaching from Jeremiah 31:1-5,19-20 – I Have Loved Thee With an Everlasting Love.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens, focusing on Jeremiah 31:1-5, 19-20, uses these verses to illustrate the nature of God’s love for Israel, emphasizing the concept of an “everlasting love.” He unpacks the Hebrew words for “love” to reveal a depth of meaning beyond a simple emotional attachment. The first love is a passionate, spousal love, while the second is a mother’s love, nurturing, protective, and infinite. Stevens contrasts this with the failings of Israel – their straying, their lack of true repentance, and their frequent murmuring. Yet, despite this, God’s love perseveres, demonstrating a compassion that yearns for their return. Pastor Stevens central theme is that God’s love is both enduring and merciful, drawing even the wayward back to Himself