In the ancient H=
ebrew and Greek texts of the Bible, love is not confined to a single word o=
r idea. The Hebrew Bible uses a variety of terms like ‘ahavah,’=
‘chesed,’ and ‘rachamim,’ each offering a nuanced =
view of love that ranges from affection and kindness to mercy and compassio=
n. In the New Testament, written in Greek, we encounter words like ‘a=
gape,’ ‘philia,’ ‘storge,’ and ‘eros,&#=
8217; which describe different kinds of love—unconditional love, frie=
ndship, familial love, and romantic love, respectively.
All th=
ese forms of love are interconnected, woven together in a divine tapestry t=
hat tells the story of God’s relationship with humanity. From the lov=
e of creation in Genesis, where God saw that “it was good,” to =
the sacrificial love demonstrated through Jesus Christ, the Bible serves as=
a grand narrative of love. It’s a love story that transcends time, c=
ulture, and even religion itself, inviting all of humanity into a relations=
hip with the Divine.
So, as we delve into some Bible verses ab=
out God’s love, let’s keep in mind that we’re not just ex=
ploring a concept; we’re engaging with a living, breathing love that =
has the power to change lives and transform hearts. Each verse serves as a =
window, offering a glimpse into the infinite expanse of God’s love=
212;a love that is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.=
> I JOHN 4:8 “God is love.”
Let’s start w=
ith the most foundational truth: God is love. These three simple words are =
like the North Star in the spiritual sky, guiding us through the complexiti=
es of life. It’s not just that God loves; God is love. This=
is the lens through which we should view all other expressions of divine l=
ove.
> 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 bu=
t have eternal life.”
This verse is often cited, but its depth is =
immeasurable. It encapsulates the sacrificial nature of God’s love &#=
8211; a love so immense that it led to the ultimate gift: the life of Jesus=
Christ. This is love in its purest form, love that seeks the eternal well-=
being of others.
> ROMANS 8:38-39 “For I am convince=
d that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the prese=
nt nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything e=
lse in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that =
is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This verse offers a sense of eternal=
security, a promise that God’s love is unshakeable, unbreakable, and=
everlasting. No matter what trials or tribulations we face, we are never b=
eyond the reach of divine love.
> 1 JOHN 4:9-10 “This=
is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the=
world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God,=
but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins=
=2E”
Here, the Apostle John gives us a profound insight into the n=
ature of God’s love. It’s proactive, initiating a relationship =
even before we are aware of it. It’s a love that redeems, restores, a=
nd revitalizes.
> I CORINTHIANS 13:4-5 “Love is pat=
ient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. I=
t does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angere=
d, 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 pe=
rseveres.”
While often read at weddings, this passage serves as a =
divine blueprint for love. It’s a reflection of God’s own love =
for us – a love that is patient, kind, and enduring.
[co=
ntinued next Saturday]
~~=
Dr Bob Griffin
=
[email protected] www.grif.net
"Jesus K=
nows Me, This I Love!"
=2Ecom