The Love of God
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgement: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." I John 4:16-18
God is love. That's what the scripture says. But not just any love, specifically, God is agape love. Agape is a greek word that is the highest, most selfless form of love. It is sacrificial, and unconditional.
Have you ever paused to consider the love God has for you? This agape love is so vast, our human minds cannot fully grasp it! Consider the ways God has shown His love to us. He sent His son to us, to show us how we ought to live our lives. To give us a plain path to follow. Jesus taught us how to love our neighbor, how to be honest and full of integrity. God willingly allowed his only son, to die on a cross for us... and why? That not only the curse and penalty of sin be broken and satisfied- but that we might be FREE FROM SIN. Saved to sin no more! Then God the father did not leave us comfortless, he sent his spirit to walk with us, to live inside of us... to lead us and be near to us!
Richard Baxter, and english Theologian in the 1600's wrote this:
"... if you think God is against you and delights in your misery, it is impossible for you to love him. The great reason many do not love God more is because they look at him in an odious shape, and tremble at the thought of him. Doing this strips God of his divine nature in our thoughts. We must write his love deep in our understanding. When we consider his mercy and lovingkindness, our thoughts of God will be sweet and delightful! ... he is infinitely and inconceivable good. If you conceive of God as 10,000 times more gracious and loving than any friend you have, it will make you love him above all. This takes away weariness in duty, and gives more delight in prayer and meditation. When God becomes more lovely in our eyes, it produces growth in all of our graces, and encourages further familiarity and confidence."
Jeremiah 31:3 "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee."
Ephesians 2:4-5 "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ..."
I John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."
The love of God is boundless- it is truly agape love! If you know God, you've felt that love. If you don't know God... I implore you, just as Pslams 34:8 "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Come, taste and see!
