God is Love

What does it mean that God is love? First, let us look at how the Bible describes "love" and how it is applied. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).

This is God's description of love. God is like this, and Christians should take it as a goal, even though they will always be in pursuit of it. God's love is fully expressed to us through John 3:16 and Romans 5:8. "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." "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." From these verses, we can see that God's greatest desire is for us to dwell with Him in heaven, our eternal home. God has paid for our sins, making our entrance into heaven possible. He loves us because He chooses to do so and acts on that will. "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused" (Hosea 11:8).

Love is forgiveness: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Love (God) is not imposed on anyone. Those who come before God respond to His love. Love (Jesus) does good without favoritism; love (Jesus) does not covet what others have, nor does it complain about a humble life. Love (Jesus) never boasts about who He is in the flesh, even though His power surpasses anyone who comes into contact with Him. Love (God) does not force obedience; God did not command His Son to obey; rather, Jesus willingly obeyed His Father in heaven. "I do exactly what my Father has commanded me" (John 14:31). Love (Jesus) always considers the interests of others.

The brief description of love above shows a selfless life in stark contrast to the selfish life inherent in human nature. Remarkably, those who accept Jesus, the Son of God, as their personal Savior have been given the power to love as Jesus does through the Holy Spirit (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1, 23, 24). What a challenge and glory this is!