This is the seventh in a series of articles on the subject—Do You Know God? In this week’s article, we will seek to learn more about God’s love for mankind. The Bible presents this idea in very simple terms by stating that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Love originates in God and proceeds from Him. It could be said that all of God’s attributes are harmonized in this one. That is, in the manifestation of God’s love we see His grace, mercy, patience, goodness, compassion, etc.
God’s love cannot be understood based on the world’s definition of love. The love of God is not an emotion or a feeling. It is an active and intense interest in the well being of another. It is unconditional and not based on the actions of the object of that love. Consider the words of the apostle Paul, “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly . . . But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6,8). God did not sacrifice His son because we deserved it—He did so while we were yet sinners. God sacrificed His Son because of His love for humanity (John 3:16).
Men sometimes question God’s love for them. In the sacrifice of Jesus, we see not only the manifestation of God’s supreme love but the proof of that love as well. Jesus taught His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). God came to this earth, took on the form of human flesh, and then sacrificed His body so that we might have eternal life! What more could God have done to express His supreme love for us?
To know God is to know love—for God is love. This is life changing knowledge. The deeper my knowledge of God the greater will be my desire to live according to His ways. This is especially true in the area of love—”Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love“ (Ephesians 5:1). The word “walk” is used in the Bible in reference to a manner of life. Let’s now consider some ways that we can walk in God’s love.
We Should Love God With All Of Our Being. Jesus spoke of the love we should have for God, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and will all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38). Our response to God’s supreme love should be to love Him supremely!
We Should Love Our Neighbor. Jesus also taught with respect to the greatest commandment, “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:39). We should be seeking the good of others. This involves a willingness to give of our time and resources to help meet the spiritual and physical needs of the less fortunate.
We Should Love Our Enemies. Remember, God sacrificed His Son for us while we were yet sinners. We should manifest the same love for those who stand in opposition to us. ”But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
Do you know that God is love? Do you actively seek that which is in the best interests of God? Those in need? And, even your own enemies?