In my experience children are far more interested in theology than adults.

Most adults will do anything to avoid a discussion about God but children are more than happy to ask questions and say what they think.

So a word of warning if you’re thinking of starting a family: like it or not, sooner or later in the years to come your little one will drag you into the world of theological debate.

So just suppose you find yourself discussing the following question with your six year-old at bedtime: ‘What sort of people does God love?’

Almost certainly your budding theologian will take the view that God loves those who do good. And you’ll probably be tempted to agree quickly, kiss his or her goodnight, and turn off the light.

After all, human love works in the way they are describing. We all know that we find ourselves liking people who are kind and generous; so surely God operates in the same way? It must be true that He finds himself loving those who are lovely.

But it turns out that you and your 6 year old are wrong.

Here’s something simple but profound written by Martin Luther about the love of God in 1518 in a document called the Heidelberg Disputation: “The love of God does not find, but creates, that which is pleasing to it. The love of man comes into being through that which is pleasing to it.”

When Luther wrote those words most theologians (both young and old) believed that God’s love was reactive. That is, God’s heart was moved to love by the loveliness he sees in us.

But through studying the Bible, Luther came to realise that God’s love is not reactive but is creative. God makes the first move and pours out his love on us through the death of Jesus for our sins. And through this act of love God makes us lovely in his sight; we are declared righteous by God.

This month churches all over the world have been marking the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.

Martin Luther was the German monk who started it all by complaining about abuses in the medieval Church. But more than that, Luther was a great theologian who rediscovered the true nature of God’s love. Let’s be ready to tell of that love to our children.

Rev. Canon Mark Jones

Vicar at Padiham with Hapton and Padiham Green