Let’s look at how the Bible describes love, and then we will see a few ways in which God is the essence of love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). This is God’s description of love, and because God is love (1 John 4:8), this is what He is like.
In love, God does not force Himself on anyone. Those who
come to Him do so in response to His love. In love, God shows kindness to all.
In love, Jesus went about doing good to everyone without partiality. In love,
Jesus did not covet what others had, living a humble life without complaining.
In love, Jesus did not brag about who He was in the flesh, although He could
have overpowered anyone He ever came in contact with. In love, Jesus willingly
obeyed His Father in heaven. “The world must learn that I love the Father and
that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me” (John 14:31). In love, Jesus
was/is always looking out for the interests of others.
The greatest expression of God’s love is communicated to us in John 3:16:
“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 proclaims
the same message: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We can see from these verses that it
is God’s greatest desire that we join Him in His eternal home, heaven. He has
made the way possible by paying the price for our sins. He loves us because He
chose to as an act of His will. Love forgives. “If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
So, what does it mean that God is love? Love is an attribute of God. Love is a
core aspect of God’s character, His Person. God’s love is in no sense in
conflict with His holiness, righteousness, justice, or even His wrath. All of
God’s attributes are in perfect harmony. Everything God does is loving, just as
everything He does is just and right. God is the perfect example of true love.
Amazingly, God has given those who receive His Son Jesus as their personal
Savior the ability to love as He does, through the power of the Holy Spirit (John
1:12; 1 John 3:1, 23-24).
- Provided by "Got Questions Ministries"