Love is ... God's Love
The magnitude of God's love for us is beautifully encapsulated in John 3:16: "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." This love is so profound, so "crazy," that it boggles the mind. It's a love that reached down to us and made a way where there was no way.
When we truly grasp the nature of God's love, we begin to understand that it's unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal. In the context of human relationships, we often hear about different types of love – storge (familial love), eros (romantic love), phileo (brotherly love), and agape (selfless, unconditional love). It's this agape love that Paul describes so eloquently in 1 Corinthians 13:
"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."
This passage is often read at weddings, but its message extends far beyond romantic relationships. It's a call to love everyone – even our enemies – with this same selfless, enduring love.
But why would God create a world where He knew sin and suffering would enter? The answer, once again, is love. God wasn't lonely, but He enjoys companionship and relationship. His motivation was and always is love. Even His discipline toward us, His wrath against sin, and His sometimes perplexing answers to our prayers are all compatible with love.
Consider a parent who refuses to serve only dessert for dinner. In the child's eyes it might seem unkind, but it's actually an act of love, looking out for the child's well-being. In the same way, God's love sometimes manifests in ways we don't immediately understand or appreciate.
One of the most profound aspects of God's love is that He gives us free will. He could have created us as robots, pre-programmed to always do what He wants. But then, how would He know – how would we know – that we truly love Him? As the saying goes, "If you love someone, set them free. If they return, they belong to you; if they don't, they were never yours to begin with." Real love requires free will.
As we experience God's love, it begins to change us from the inside out. Like a seed planted in good soil, love grows in our hearts, often in ways we can't immediately see or understand. Jesus spoke of this in the parable of the growing seed:
"The kingdom of God is like a man who throws seed on the ground; and he goes to bed at night and gets up every day, and [in the meantime] the seed sprouts and grows; how [it does this], he does not know. The earth produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head [of grain], then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop ripens, he immediately puts in the sickle [to reap], because [the time for] the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)
As God's love takes root in our hearts, we begin to ask different questions. We become less focused on ourselves and more concerned with others. We start to wonder, "How are the people around me doing? How can I show them love?"
This transformation often happens gradually, but its effects can be profound. We may find ourselves becoming less judgmental, more forgiving, more understanding, and more merciful. We might start seeing people differently, recognizing their inherent worth and dignity as beloved children of God.
One powerful example of this change comes from a story of two co-workers. Initially, their relationship was marked by frequent disagreements and contention. But one day, as everyone was leaving for Christmas break, one of them noticed the other staying behind, alone, with no family to go home to. This realization broke his heart and changed his perspective entirely. He began treating his colleague differently – collaborating instead of contending, seeking consensus instead of demanding his way. Through this shift in attitude, a cherished relationship was forged.
This is the power of God's love working in and through us. It changes how we see others and how we interact with them. It moves us to extend grace, even when it's difficult. It compels us to forgive, even when we've been deeply hurt. It inspires us to serve, even when we're tired or discouraged.
As we approach Easter, let's reflect on the immeasurable love God has shown us through Jesus Christ. Let's allow that love to take root in our hearts, transforming us from the inside out. And let's commit to sharing that love with others – not just in words, but in tangible, sacrificial actions.
Remember, we love because He first loved us. May we be known by our love, reflecting the very heart of God to a world in desperate need of His transformative, unconditional love.
The magnitude of God's love for us is beautifully encapsulated in John 3:16: "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." This love is so profound, so "crazy," that it boggles the mind. It's a love that reached down to us and made a way where there was no way.
When we truly grasp the nature of God's love, we begin to understand that it's unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal. In the context of human relationships, we often hear about different types of love – storge (familial love), eros (romantic love), phileo (brotherly love), and agape (selfless, unconditional love). It's this agape love that Paul describes so eloquently in 1 Corinthians 13:
"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."
This passage is often read at weddings, but its message extends far beyond romantic relationships. It's a call to love everyone – even our enemies – with this same selfless, enduring love.
But why would God create a world where He knew sin and suffering would enter? The answer, once again, is love. God wasn't lonely, but He enjoys companionship and relationship. His motivation was and always is love. Even His discipline toward us, His wrath against sin, and His sometimes perplexing answers to our prayers are all compatible with love.
Consider a parent who refuses to serve only dessert for dinner. In the child's eyes it might seem unkind, but it's actually an act of love, looking out for the child's well-being. In the same way, God's love sometimes manifests in ways we don't immediately understand or appreciate.
One of the most profound aspects of God's love is that He gives us free will. He could have created us as robots, pre-programmed to always do what He wants. But then, how would He know – how would we know – that we truly love Him? As the saying goes, "If you love someone, set them free. If they return, they belong to you; if they don't, they were never yours to begin with." Real love requires free will.
As we experience God's love, it begins to change us from the inside out. Like a seed planted in good soil, love grows in our hearts, often in ways we can't immediately see or understand. Jesus spoke of this in the parable of the growing seed:
"The kingdom of God is like a man who throws seed on the ground; and he goes to bed at night and gets up every day, and [in the meantime] the seed sprouts and grows; how [it does this], he does not know. The earth produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head [of grain], then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop ripens, he immediately puts in the sickle [to reap], because [the time for] the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)
As God's love takes root in our hearts, we begin to ask different questions. We become less focused on ourselves and more concerned with others. We start to wonder, "How are the people around me doing? How can I show them love?"
This transformation often happens gradually, but its effects can be profound. We may find ourselves becoming less judgmental, more forgiving, more understanding, and more merciful. We might start seeing people differently, recognizing their inherent worth and dignity as beloved children of God.
One powerful example of this change comes from a story of two co-workers. Initially, their relationship was marked by frequent disagreements and contention. But one day, as everyone was leaving for Christmas break, one of them noticed the other staying behind, alone, with no family to go home to. This realization broke his heart and changed his perspective entirely. He began treating his colleague differently – collaborating instead of contending, seeking consensus instead of demanding his way. Through this shift in attitude, a cherished relationship was forged.
This is the power of God's love working in and through us. It changes how we see others and how we interact with them. It moves us to extend grace, even when it's difficult. It compels us to forgive, even when we've been deeply hurt. It inspires us to serve, even when we're tired or discouraged.
As we approach Easter, let's reflect on the immeasurable love God has shown us through Jesus Christ. Let's allow that love to take root in our hearts, transforming us from the inside out. And let's commit to sharing that love with others – not just in words, but in tangible, sacrificial actions.
Remember, we love because He first loved us. May we be known by our love, reflecting the very heart of God to a world in desperate need of His transformative, unconditional love.
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
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