There is probably hardly a term that...
God is love.
1 John 4:8
There is probably hardly a term that is so distorted in our time as the term “love”. Many say “love” and mean “lust”. Or they speak of “love” to express themselves in the language of the younger generation. But such ‘love’ is really only about feelings, butterflies in the stomach, or sexuality.
For others, love represents the idea of being good and morally upright. They understand it as the practice of what helps one’s fellow man. Undoubtedly, selfless dedication to one’s neighbour is a virtue of true love and something great. Such dedication can also be truly great in individual cases. But it quickly comes up against the limits of our human imperfection, which we cannot escape on earth. So, does such a devoted love not exist at all – a perfect love one can rely on indefinitely?
Yes, it does, although it is to be found only rarely in mankind! It is the love of God of which the Bible speaks. And what characterises it? That it is unconditional. God does not love us because He found some reason to do so in us. No, we human beings do not behave lovably toward Him. We do not like to tolerate God’s authority over us. We reject God and, by acting against His good commandments, we live in enmity towards Him (Romans 5:10). And yet – He loves us! Love, like light, is His essence. It is not just one of His characteristics.
God demonstrated His love when He gave Jesus Christ, His own Son, for us. God also loves you! If we look for real love in the world, we will always be disappointed. On the other hand, whoever experiences the love of God will never be disappointed.
Today’s reading: 2 Kings 14:1-16 · 1 John 2:1-11
|
