Many people know that God has power. Many know that God is holy. Many know that God is righteous. Yet the foundation behind everything God does is His love.
The Bible says in 1 John 4:8, “God is love.” Notice that the scripture does not simply say that God has love. It says God is love. Love is not merely one of His attributes; it is His very nature.
God’s love was demonstrated long before mankind ever thought about seeking Him. After Adam’s fall, God immediately began putting into motion His plan of redemption. Why? Because love always seeks restoration. Love always seeks recovery. Love always seeks reconciliation.
John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” God’s love moved Him to give. Love is a giver. Love sacrifices. Love reaches beyond itself for the benefit of another.
The cross is the greatest revelation of God’s love. Jesus did not die because mankind deserved it. He died because God loved humanity even while humanity was separated from Him. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
God’s love is not based upon human performance. If it were, no one could qualify. God’s love is based upon His character. He loved us before we knew Him. He loved us while we were running from Him. He loved us enough to provide a way back to Himself through Jesus Christ.
His love did not stop at salvation. God continues to love His children daily. He desires fellowship with them. He desires to guide them, strengthen them, heal them, and help them fulfill their purpose.
The believer must understand that faith works by love. The more we understand God’s love toward us, the easier it becomes to trust Him. Love removes fear and produces confidence.
Everything God has provided through redemption flows from one source—His great and everlasting love.