Tag Archives: God’s love

What is Love? Part 2

07 Monday Dec 2020

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Religion, Religious, Spiritual

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When a person declares that they have fallen in love with another, usually the description invokes words that are emotionally charged. Some say that being in love gives one the feeling of butterflies dancing around in their stomach. Others, describe it as a constant state of having the person of affection on one’s mind. There are a myriad of emotions that one may feel concerning being in love from the romantic standpoint. However, what are the key characteristics of love itself?

Before getting into those characteristics, it should be known that love is not based on a feeling. While falling in love, being in love, or loving someone brings with it the emotional side, the primary focus of love is not emotional, rather it is a choice. To prove this, there may be moments when our loved one’s disappoint us or they cause momentary periods of discomfort. That is due to the human condition of being sinful and imperfect. Circumstances in life change, people change, which means if love were based on the emotive state, then many would forgo love altogether. Love is a choice, rather than it being based on one’s emotions.

With love, there are also key characteristics that the Bible shows us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

(NLT) “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

  • Patience – When a person is operating in love, there is a prominent display of patience for others. Despite the many flaws and challenges that may arise, a loving disposition portrays a steady dose of patience. This means, time will be taken with others, even when they may not be deserving of said patience. However, love suggests that even when others are not patient with me, I will be patient with others.
  • Kindness – Love is also shown through acts of kindness. The world around us has distorted the concept of love. In extreme cases some attribute those who exhibit verbal abuse or even physical violence as being loving. However, neither of those two acts have any correlation to love or kindness. When a person loves another, kindness is revealed.
  • Love is not jealous – When a person achieves something of significance, love does not encompass jealousy or feelings of disdain due to someone else’s accomplishments. Instead, love seeks to celebrate what others have rather than attempting to downplay or minimize their success.
  • Love is not prideful – Arrogance is not a characteristic of love, because one of the primary components to love is that it is selfless. Pride is a position of focusing on oneself rather than desiring to serve others or to put others before self.
  • Love is not rude – This is similarly in tandem with kindness. Insulting others or being rude is not a characteristic of love, because with love, there is a level of care with one’s actions and words. That is because it seeks to truly honor others and promote a sense of respect and admiration unto those who are the target of affection.
  • Selflessness – Demanding one’s own way falls in the category of being selfish or self-centered. Love however, it does not seek to focus on self, but to build others up and seek to fulfill the needs of others.
  • Forgiving and merciful – To keep a record of wrongs can easily be used as ammunition to destroy relationships. Love does not look into the past in an attempt to discredit or use past history against others. Instead, to love is to forgive and to be merciful, despite past sins or imperfections.
  • Focuses on truth rather than evil doing – Another key aspect of love is to discover the truth and to promote it. Love does not center itself on celebrating evil or injustice, but it rejoices in truth being revealed which is often a carrier to justice and fairness.
  • Always faithful – To keep the faith is to be in a state of conviction about a matter. Love always has faith rather than being faithless. It means never losing one’s conviction or belief and always remaining steadfast in said position of faith.
  • Always hopeful – To hope is to have an earnest desire of believing and staying focused on a viewpoint despite physical evidence. In other words, if something has yet to occur, love says that despite not seeing, there is still a solid belief that will be adhered to.
  • Endurance – Despite the circumstances of life, love remains entrenched in the same position, and it endures. It means to withstand and be steady throughout a fiery trial or a periods of challenge. Love remains committed, regardless of external or internal influences that would suggest otherwise.

The list of characteristics that the Bible shows us above is evident when love has taken root in someone’s life. Love cannot encompass the opposite of those characteristics, because then by definition it would not be what love is. However, the primary definer of love is the Lord God almighty. The characteristics as noted above are an extension of who God is, because He is love. Without knowing God through Christ, we cannot adequately love based on His original intention.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? God sent Jesus Christ as His only begotten son to be the sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Only through Christ can you and I know what true love is, and begin to portray it earnestly. Give your life to Jesus today by repenting of your sins and turning your life over to the Lord. For God is love.

What Is Love? Part 1

03 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Religion, Religious, Spiritual

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The word “love” is a common word that is used in a variety of contexts. For example, love is often used to denote the romance and intense feeling of passion between two individuals. It is also used in ways that are not romantic (e.g. I love football). Love is a word that means different things to different people. That is because for one, experiences often shape how we define words.

In addition, the world as a collective has its own definition of what love is. However, what is love truly defined as? 1 John 4:7-11 gives us what the definition of love is.

(NKJV) “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

First, take note of what the first verse says, which is “love is of God.” Love as a concept and as it is meant to be defined comes from God Himself. This is qualified when the writer the Apostle John says, “God is love.” Before we can truly understand what love is, we must acknowledge that love has already been defined by God, because love is who He is. It is God’s character to love, which is why Jesus was sent as a sacrifice to reconcile humanity back to God.

It was God’s love for His creation, that prompted the sacrifice of Jesus so that we as humans could have an unbroken relationship with God the Father. If we do not know who God is, then we do not have a clear definition of love. We are also unable to love properly, if we do not have a connection to God through Christ, because it is required in order to know what love is, and to love others.

To be clear, the world has its varying definitions of what love is. As mentioned, it is often based on what a person experiences or their own world view of the concept of love. What makes the world’s definitions of love inaccurate, is that in most cases, it is not based on knowing God. Rather, it is based on self, or the views of others. Looking to the world as a means to define, will often leave incomplete pictures because the world around us does not take its cues from God. Instead, the Bible makes it clear that the world system is dominated by Satan Himself.

Ephesians 2:2 says (NLV) “
You followed the sinful ways of the world and obeyed the leader of the power of darkness. He is the devil who is now working in the people who do not obey God.”

Since Satan is the one who has influence over the world, he perverts all that is good. Therefore, it becomes altered automatically, which means anything that comes from the world view is taken from Satan first. Since that is the case, that also includes the view of what love is. It should be known that because God is love, then He is the one who shows us what love is and how to love. Without Him, we are left to make up what we believe love to be, and sometimes, there are toxic examples that some have justified to state what love is.

The other part of 1 John 4:7-11 that is important to take note of, is that God loved His creation (us) first. We did not love God, rather, it was His love for us that caused Him to send Jesus as a substitute for the penalty of sin that we all owe. Knowing this, it means that from the very beginning, God loved us, even in the midst of our sinful condition.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If you don’t know Jesus, today is the day to give your life to Christ through repentance, the acknowledgment of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross and Him rising again from the dead. Once you come to the knowledge of Christ, you will be able to truly love and understand what it means to love and be loved. Knowing God through Christ, gives us the correct and only way to understand love as it was meant to be.

5 Things That You Cannot Change

03 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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We live in a global society in which there have been enormous sociological changes. From the institution and even evolution of the internet to the change in how humanity has become more globalized than ever before. The introduction of change is ubiquitous. Such shifts in our society have also included cultural changes related to the embrace of homosexuality, abortion, divorce, lack of marital or relational commitment, and a whole host of other issues.

The reality of our world is that the times that we live in have become altered so that you have the option to ‘invent your own truth.’ This means that what you believe is personal and it is not to infringe upon anyone else. We live in an era of unabashed freedom or at least the term ‘freedom’ is used to justify one’s actions. However, what many in our society fail to realize is that despite all of the social changes, there are moral and even spiritual absolutes. More so spiritually, there are at least five key aspects of life that cannot change:

1. Negative consequences that come with living in sin – The Bible is quite clear when the issue of sin is addressed. The Apostle Paul makes a reference to the consequences of sin in Galatians chapter 6, and verses 7-8. Paul says the following:

(ESV) “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

These two verses make it clear that whatever a person sows, is what they will reap. When a person is constantly sowing to their flesh or living their life in sin, then eventually, their life will reap corruption. Our society is decaying rapidly, both morally and spiritually. Many have been deceived to think that you can embrace the idea of what you deem to be ‘acceptable’ without negative consequences. The fact is, that when you are in unrepentant sin, then you are open to being devoured by satan.

Rather, the alternative is to live a life that is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. As the above scripture says, the person who sows to the Spirit, will reap eternal life. This means, by living for Jesus Christ and rejecting sin, you will avoid the negative consequences of sin. The key is recognizing that we cannot change the negative consequences of sin.

2. The judgment of God – Whether the judgment of God occurs here on the Earth or after you and I pass away, every person will be judged for what they do. God’s judgment is final, regardless of what we think or how much we may balk against it. When God brings judgment upon a nation, it usually means that those within the nation have lived in wickedness.

Concerning God’s judgment, John 3:18 says the following:

(ESV) “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

The fact is that anyone who is not in Christ and does not follow His commands is condemned. Our world continues to promote sin while at the same time the judgment that God will bring is unavoidable for those who choose to live in disobedience and according to their fleshly desires. However, it is the person who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord and has accepted Him as Lord and Savior, they will be the individual who escapes the wrath of God.

Despite how much we as humans believe that we are in control, we cannot change the judgment that will fall as it relates to those who embrace wicked behavior. The answer however, is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior which is the way to avoid condemnation.

3. The authority of God – In the age of secular humanism, there has been a concerted effort to elevate human ability which is akin to attempting to ‘be God’ or ‘be a god.’ The fact is that we as humans are limited in our abilities. Despite the constant push for deciding one’s own fate, and being ‘the captain of one’s own ship’ the immutable reality is that God is the ultimate authority.

In Genesis chapter 11, verses 1-9 tells the story of ‘The Tower of Babel.’ In this scripture, it is recorded that humanity at one point decided to build a tower that would reach high to the heavens. In pursuit of such a feat, the people began in their quest to achieve greatness. However, the scripture shows us that eventually God confused the language of the people who attempted to build their tower.

The reason was because the people wanted to assert their own authority aside from God Himself. They were idolatrous because they attempted to serve and elevate themselves. In today’s time, we are living among many who have made themselves to be as God in terms of authority. However, God’s authority supersedes anything that humanity can create. Regardless of what we attempt to do, we must answer to God who is both the creator and the ultimate judge.

4. The Truth of God (His Word) – For many centuries, the Word of God has been debated among scholars and even among those who are unbelievers. However, it is the Word of God that remains true and will remain true for eternity. Psalm 119:89 says:

(ISV) “Your word is forever, LORD; it is firmly established in heaven.”

Regardless of how much our world culture changes or even the times we live in changes, it is God’s Word that will never change. Humanity attempts to denounce and even make it seem as if the Bible is ‘outdated’ and ‘old fashioned.’ However, the words that were written were given by the inspiration of God. Since these words come directly from God, then His words are absolute truth. The truth of God cannot be changed because they are concrete.

Even if our world attempts to nullify what God has proclaimed about sin or even eternal life, His Word cannot be stopped or changed. Everything that occurred in the Bible, and every prophetic Word that was written has and is coming to pass. The truth of God’s Word will always remain, even if society tries to discredit or defame the Bible, it will always stand.

5. God’s love – Regardless of our sin or even the choices we make, God’s love is one thing that will never change. It is the sin in our lives and an active participation in it that creates a chasm between God and humanity. His love is never a question, but rather it is whether or not we will be devoted to Him.

Psalm 136:26 says:

(NLV) “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.”

God loves humanity and desires that we have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. It is the love of God that surpasses any other love or figure of love that the world attempts to create. Satan doesn’t want you and I to know God’s great love or to have a relationship with Him. This is why satan uses distractions and lies to put us into a place of separation from God. While the enemy influences us, it is our choice to believe his lies and reject God.

However, God gives each person an opportunity to know Him. His love will never change, which means, as long as you are alive you have an opportunity to know Him. Even if you have made mistakes in your past, God’s love goes beyond what you have done. The question is, will you surrender your life unto Jesus Christ?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are in a place of separation from God. The 5 points named are aspects of God that will never change. Our world is fluid and constantly changing, however, God is the only constant that will always exist. Without Him, then you and I are left up to the devices and ways of this world. Accept Christ today, and allow God to show you just how loving and constant He truly is.

Why Does God Love Us?

20 Thursday Aug 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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Nature which is one of the many gifts that God gives to us provides various testaments to His glory. Whether the elements of His creation are big or small, they all serve as indicators of how marvelous and supreme God is in His splendor. One creation that many do not think much about is the common ant. The ant which is an arthropod is one of the many insects that showcase just how the brilliance of God has translated to creation.

The ant is an insect that is best known for displaying hard work or toil towards a specific task. Day in and day out, ants can be found moving constantly as they build, seeking food and shelter, and carry out the purpose of their natural instincts. It is also said that ants can lift up to 5,000 times their own weight despite their miniscule size. The ant is an amazing creature despite how overlooked they are. However, the ant shares a common trait with humans and that is our lives when compared to such a Holy and magnificent God do not even match His glory.

God is altogether matchless in every inch and portion of His divinity. This is of course not to suggest that your life and my life do not matter.  Our lives matter because we were created by God to worship Him and to spread His glory throughout the Earth and throughout history. However, despite who we are and all of our imperfections the question can be asked and that is ‘Why does God love us?’ What is it about humanity that God would even think about you and I?

In the book of Psalms, the Psalmist David phrases the question of God’s love differently. In Psalm chapter 8 verse 4 he says,

(NLT) “what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”

If you look through the Bible there are at least three scriptures which either reference David’s question or directly quote the same verse. They are Hebrews 2:6, Job 7:17, and Psalm 144:3. This is a critical question because when you look at who we are as humans, the fact is that you and I are undeserving of God’s grace and love. We are undeserving because of our sinfulness and the fact that we were all born into sin. David is asking the question of why we as mere human beings are even considered by such a Holy and righteous God.

If you think about it, we deserve Hell and destruction because of the original state that we were all born in. There are many who continue to remain in their state of sin because they either choose not to believe in God’s existence or they are committed to serving their sinful nature rather than living in submission unto God. Romans 7:18 says,

(ESV) “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” 

The Apostle Paul understood that because of his sinful nature that outside of God’s intervention through Christ Jesus that we do not have the ability to ‘be good.’ Sin is the very antithesis to God because His Holiness is the direct opposite of sin which was born out of Adam & Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Based on that fact, it could be assumed that God should have nothing to do with you and I. As David asks, “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”

Why does God love us? Why is it that there are so many tragedies that occur daily and yet humanity is allowed to exist? Why didn’t God destroy humanity in the very beginning and start over? These are questions that many have asked and many continue to ask. However, is there an answer for God’s love towards a sinful and imperfect human race?

Genesis 1:27 says the following:

(NLT) “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” 

The important thing to note concerning that scripture is that God created us in His own image. To be in the image of God is to be made in His likeness or made in His splendor. When you really think about it, there is no one who is greater than God Himself. Since God pre-existed time and space, then it meant that He was the only one who was glorious. Thus, because there was no one before Him and there shall be no one after Him, then the love that He has toward us is based on the fact that we were created in His original image.

Basically, we as human beings are to represent the image and likeness of God. It is because of the introduction of sin that the image of God within us was shattered upon being born into sin. That does not mean that God loves us any less, but the love that God shows to us through grace and mercy is based upon God being love and wanting His image to be shown in us to further glorify Himself.

1 John 4:8 says that God is love which means that all of the attributes of love which are listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 are the exact traits that comprise who God is. So, if God is love then it means that He shows the same love to you and I. God exemplifies what is called ‘Agape love.’ The word, ‘agape’ is Greek which means unconditional. To exhibit agape love is to show forth a love that goes beyond right and wrong.  Basically, regardless of what a person does, the love that was there initially, still exists at the same magnitude.

That is the type of love that God has for you and I. He loves us unconditionally because He is love which means that He was and is the original creator of what love is meant to be. Satan has corrupted the minds of many throughout history to pervert love to be something that it never was. Today, love can be lustful and sexual or it can be based out of greed. It doesn’t mean that love does not encompass sensuality because the term ‘Eros’ is a 2nd Greek term which is the erotic type of love.

However, what satan has done is cheapened the very love that God created and portrayed love to be inherently selfish and self-seeking. The kind of love that God shows is not selfish, but it is based on wanting you and I to experience life and life abundantly through Jesus Christ. God wants all of us to bask in His glory because there is no one greater than He. Regardless of what attractions or pleasures the world promotes, the glorious presence of God Almighty supersedes everything else.

John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave Jesus Christ as His only begotten son that whosoever shall believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God’s love never runs dry unlike the love of humanity. We as humans are fallible which means that our lives are unstable. However, when we connect with Jesus Christ we begin to show the attributes of the great love that God lavishes upon us daily.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior then you don’t know the love that God shows to us. You can be a recipient of this love by accepting Christ and committing your life to Him. God has designed you and I to worship Him and experience His glory to the full. Take the time today to commit your life to Christ by confessing your sins and believing in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. This great love that God offers is available to you.