One of the most cherished attributes of God is His love. God is love. But what does that mean? The Bible describes love as an unconditional commitment and unending compass. We’re to love our spouse unconditionally. We’re to keep on loving one another in spite of our faults. We’re to love God with our whole heart, mind, and strength.
God displayed His love long before He created us. Love existed within the triune godhead from eternity past. In Matthew 3.17, God the Father declared, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.” Jesus, in John 14.31, said, “The world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” This mutual love within the trinity shows us that love is an inherent attribute of God.
While it’s understandable that there would be love between God the Father and God the Son, it’s absolutely amazing that God would love us. When Jesus prayed to God the Father, He described the Father’s love for us. John 17.23 says, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” God the Father loves us just like He loves His own Son! He loves us in spite of our sin. John 3.16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God loves us so much that He sent His beloved Son, Jesus, to die in our place.
Likewise, Jesus Christ Himself loves us. He willingly gave His life for us. First John 3.16 tells us, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Thank Him for His love, His sacrificial death, and His eternal forgiveness. He loves you so much that He wants to spend forever with you.
Because God has shown His unconditional commitment and compassion for us, we should respond by loving God in return. In Mark 12.30 Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” And if we truly love God, we’ll love others as well. Jesus, in Mark 12.31, went on to say, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Because God loves us, we should love Him and we should love others. While this is easy to say, it’s not always easy to do. Will you spend time with God, enjoying His presence and honouring His Word? Will you treat others with respect, care, and compassion no matter how they respond? Will you and I be loving disciples of Jesus Christ? Remember, in John 13.35 Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Ask Jesus to be your Saviour, and then ask Him to make you a lover.
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