GOD'S LOVE
In today's world, the word 'love' is used in different ways and means different things to different people. But the love which God demonstrate is constant. It's meaning and worth do not change.
The Apostles Paul, in his first letter to the corinthians, has explained the features of this infinite love.
It does not fail, (1 Corinthians, 13:1-8)
Love is the primary characteristics of God. He is defined by it (1 john 4:8). Because his seed (DNA) dwells in us, we are also to be characterized by his kind love. Growing to express it as our heavenly father does, is the greatest evidence that we are his children. It is the best mark for measuring our spiritual maturity.
How does the bible describe the God-kind of love.
• Jeremiah 31:3
Jeremiah 31:3 King James Version (KJV)
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
• Mathew 5:45
Matthew 5:45 New International Version (NIV)
that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
• John. 3:16
John 3:16 New International Version (NIV)
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."
• Romans. 5:8
Romans 5:8 New International Version (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Who in the bible demonstrated God-kind of love?
We would just go through some of these passages to see those who possesed the type of love. Jesus also demonstrated his love, there are a whole list of them.
We can see some in;
• Gen 50:18-21 This passage talks about Joseph, when his brothers came to Egypt
• John 15:13-14; 13:1
• Acts 7:60
• Acts 9:26-28 here talks about when saul tried joining the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Characteristics of God's love.
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
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. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
God's kind of love is the highest characteristics that truly identifies us as his children, and love is considered to be the greatest of all God's laws. Demonstrate each of the attributes towards some persons this week, and continue to do so. Then go on to practice more of his love traits, God bless you as you keep to his words.
Let love lead
