I think it’s hard to pin down what love really is. For some, it’s a feeling, evoking warmth, friendship, and intimacy with another person. But for God, love transcends human limitations. His Love is shown through compassionate understanding, deep intimacy and closeness, and at the core an irrevocable promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6-8)
I don’t think many of us are capable of such a love. Imagine for one moment if someone you dearly loved rejected you, hurled insults at you, or simply forgot your existence for years. Would your love for them burn as bright? But for God, love is enduring, faithful, and filled with promise. He doesn’t give up on us, so why should we give up on ourselves? Or others, for that matter?
I know it’s hard to believe that true love can manifest in your life. “I’m imperfect,” you might say. Well, join the club. Aren’t well all? God’s love is one that doesn’t focus on your difficulties, but enhances your strengths. Walking with Him requires courage, but you’ll never doubt his enduring promise: “I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
I am amazed at a love that can withstand seasons and bring about great growth in people’s lives.
Below, I would like to describe what God’s love means for you, and what it means for others. As Christians, we are called to walk with God and walk with each other in love. It may be helpful to understand God’s definition of love, before we go off on our own quest in pursuit of it.
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How God Defines Love
He loved us first, and “we love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
God is constantly searching for new ways to love us and help us walk through life. He stands with us, persevering alongside us in the trials that affect our lives. To God, love is a promise. Like the wedding vow, “through sickness and in health,” God stands strong through rainbows and storms. The one verse that comes to my mind is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, which paints a beautiful picture on what being loved by God, and loving others, truly looks like.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
“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.”
God’s character shines through in the Chronicles of Narnia.
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God’s love never fails. I’ll repeat that again. It never fails. Not when you’re tired, not when you’ve let yourself down, not when you come back crying to Him, aware of the frailty of your human nature. Humans can be fickle. We’re subject to change, our actions often reflect our desires, and it’s difficult for us to put others ahead of ourselves. “What’s in it for me?” We often ask. The irony is God asks the same question for us: “What can I do for you, my beloved child?”
God’s love is a gift. We only need to reach out our hands, and willingly receive it. Shake off the heavy weight of: “Have I earned it?” Or worse, “I don’t deserve it.” And know, in your heart, that God says to you, clear as day: “The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace.” (Isaiah 54:10)
Reminder
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God Wants You to Love Others As He Loves You
What a simple task, right? That’s sarcasm for my internet friends. Of course, love isn’t easy. Love always comes with obstacles we must overcome. We are called to love those we hate. To love those who mistreat us, who dislike us, or who simply don’t care for us. And we are called to love others when we ourselves are burnt out. Tired, exhausted, frail, from our long days at work, our busy lives, and our endless list of to-do’s. God understands this, and that is why he doesn’t expect perfection. Nevertheless, he does expect you to try.
When Jesus walked on Earth, he often repeated the same commandment: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
In the Book of Matthew, we hear a similar message: “’You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. ‘ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Sit with this today. Ask yourself: how can I better love those around me? How can I serve them? What would it look like for me to take the back seat in order for another person to shine?
God loves you, and you will always shine for him. You will always be special, unique, and interesting, captivating His attention. So for your love of Him, give of your time, attention, and willpower in the same way as Him. Love others, as He loves you.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, please head over to my other readers’ favorites:
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