The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
It is possible, and perhaps all too common, to be underwhelmed by the thought that God loves us. It might be easier for us to accept that he saves us than it is for us to comprehend just how much he loves us. Granted, theologically, we may receive that God loves us in theory, but how often do we take a moment reverently and consider his great love for us?
There is a saying, “Love makes the world go ’round.” But what exactly does that mean? First, the English language lumps many meanings of love together in one word. We use the same word to express our affection for God and pizza. We use the word love without much thought regarding its implications. When we have assurance that somebody loves us, it can make all the difference in the world.
When we know that we are loved, especially by God, love gives us confidence, boldness, and the ability to face an uncertain future. Because even if everything else goes wrong, we can count on God’s unfailing love.
People, even Christians, who lack the assurance of God’s love are often fearful and reckless, and the prospect of an uncertain future is traumatizing. Believing that we are loved impacts our health and well-being. When I know that I am loved, my capacity to love others increases. A great gift we can give others is to let them know they are loved, especially by God.
The Proof Is in the Action
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
Words, without actions, are worthless. In the same way that “faith without works is dead,” love without corresponding action is pointless. God didn’t just tell us that he loves us. He proved it when Christ died on the cross for us. In the most famous of scriptures, because God loved the world, he sent his only Son.
John expanded upon this thought in his first letter: God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9–10 (NLT)
God’s love for us was costly. Genuine love always carries a price. Think about some of the words associated with God’s demonstration of love for humanity. In Romans, God’s love was demonstrated in Christ dying for us. In John’s Gospel, God gave his only Son. In John’s letter, God sent his Son as a sacrifice.
It might be easy to say that we love, but the proof of God’s love is found in what he did for us. God’s declaration of love was validated by Christ’s work on the cross. When we are fully persuaded that God loves us, everything changes.
Follow His Example
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1–2 (NLT)
In part, God’s plan for the world depends upon us understanding just how much he loves us and the world. Not just in theory but in the reality of our everyday lives. How often do we stop and think about how much he loves us? Because he loves us, we love one another.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34–35 (NLT)
Our task of introducing Jesus to the world that is lost will be so much easier if we do what Jesus commanded us to do. But to really love one another, we must abide in his love. How often do we think about the love of God?
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9–10 (NLT)
The Best is Yet to Come
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 1 John 3:1–2 (NLT)
How sad it is for anyone to be unloved or even to feel unloved. And yet many relate to David in the Psalms when he said, Look around me and see. No one cares about me. I have no place of safety; no one cares if I live. Psalm 142:4 (NCV). First, every child of God needs to realize how much God loves them. It is only when we know that we are loved that we can in turn, love others.
I am blessed. I have known and experienced an abundance of love in my life. I know that many people do not know what true love is, and therefore we have a great responsibility to let the world know that a God in heaven loves them. And a Savior who loves them so much that he sacrificed his life for all.
Steve Ekeroth