Christian Living
The nature of a thing describes its inherent, basic or intrinsic features. For example, God is by nature loving, merciful, faithful, kind, a covenant keeper (Deuteronomy 7:9). Love is God, because God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). In this article, I share my thoughts, based on scripture, on the nature of God’s love.
The God-kind of love is not dependent on the recipient’s disposition, no, it is intentional, selfless and sacrificial. It always seeks to benefit the recipient- it can be restorative, redemptive, reassuring.
What is the nature of the God-kind of love?
It Is The Greatest Kind Of Love
1 John 3:1 describes the Father’s love towards us as INCREDIBLE, that is; unbelievable, too good to be true….
“SEE WHAT [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! …”
1 John 3:1a AMPC
John 15:13 says, that Jesus’s expression of love towards mankind is the greatest expression of love there can ever be….
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13. NKJV
There can be different kinds of love, different levels of love, but the greatest love that exists is the God-kind of love.
The Love of God Is Divine
God’s love is not natural but divine. It is not ignited or sustained by natural or physical things, it is spiritual and wholly of God.
The Love of God Is Pure
It is not adulterated in any form. has no hidden or ulterior motive. It is not manipulative, controlling or enticing.
The Love of God Is Perfect
It is perfect, complete, lacking nothing, without defect or blemish.
The Love of God Is Unconditional
It is not dependent on good works, no works or bad works. Agape is unconditional, it loves the good, the not-so-good and the bad. God loved us just as we were; while we were still sinners, He loved us (Romans 5:8).
It Is Sacrificial
God gave His only begotten Son. Jesus gave His life, He laid it down for us. The benefits of redemption we now enjoy didn’t come cheap; it cost God His only Son, it cost Jesus His life.
The Love of God Is Selfless
Jesus didn’t die for Himself, no, He died for His friends.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life FOR his friends.”
God didn’t give up His son because we were deserving; no, He did it while we were His enemies, while we didn’t love Him, while we were sinners (Romans 5:8).
The God-Kind Of Love Is Never Hidden
God DEMONSTRATED His love towards us, He SHOWED it, made it obvious. Jesus laid down His life publicly for His friends. This laying down was obvious, seen, unhidden. Can you imagine if all that happened was God just thinking (in His heart) how wonderful and liberating it would be if He sent Jesus to save us but never really expressed it?
We can testify of the greatness of the love of God because we know and have experienced it in our lives.
How do you love?
How do you show your love for the brethren, your spouse, neighbors, colleagues, unbelievers around you? The love that wins is that which is demonstrated, shown or expressed.
We are born of God, God is love and so we are love. Love is an enduring attribute of God (1 John 4:7-8). We are made of love! and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can love as God loves.
It always costs something to love as God loves; your time, talents, tokens, possessions, your ego, etc. There is always something to give up, something to forgo. What might we need to forgo in order to love as God loves?
The God-kind of love is pure, selfless, sacrificial, unconditional, intentional. It is divine, perfect, humble (puts the receiver first) and never hidden. The love of God is available to all. It never fails; it always wins and it endures forever. Love found us, love saved us and love is keeping us.
Love is a fruit of the spirit. God planted His seed in us, and the fruit of this seed is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Halleluyah! Praise God forever!!
I am made of love and I confess that I love as God loves. Amen!
