He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9
As Jesusβs beloved disciple John grew older, his teaching became increasingly narrowed, focusing entirely on the love of God in his three letters. In the book Knowing the Truth of Godβs Love, Peter Kreeft cites an old legend which says that one of Johnβs young disciples once came to him complaining, βWhy donβt you talk about anything else?β John replied, βBecause there isnβt anything else.β
Godβs love is certainly at the heart of the mission and message of Jesus. In his earlier gospel account, John recorded the words, βFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal lifeβ (John 3:16).
The apostle Paul tells us that Godβs love is at the core of how we live, and he reminds us that βneither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lordβ (Rom. 8:38β39).
Godβs love is so strong, available, and stabilizing that we can confidently step into each day knowing that the good things are gifts from His hand and the challenges can be faced in His strength. For all of life, His love is what matters most.
Thank You, OΒ Lord, that Your love is rich and pure, measureless and strong!
Godβs love stands when all else has fallen.
In 1 John we see what characterizes a life that exhibits Godβs supernatural love. The Greek word for this kind of love is agape, a self-sacrificial giving of oneβs self in time, money, or energy. At the root of this divine care is the idea of esteem. God values human beings because we reflect His image.