In th=
e ancient Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible, love is not confined to a si=
ngle word or idea. Last week we examined a few Old Testament verses to broa=
den our understanding of God’s love. Today we look at the New Testame=
nt, written in Greek, and encounter words like ‘agape,’ ‘=
philia,’ ‘storge,’ and ‘eros,’ which describe=
different kinds of love. Unconditional love, friendship, familial love, an=
d romantic love, respectively.
Each vers=
e serves as a window, offering a glimpse into the infinite expanse of God&#=
8217;s love – a love that is as relevant today as it was thousands of years=
ago.
I John 4:8
“God is love.”
Let’s start with=
the most foundational truth: God is love. These three simple words are lik=
e the North Star in the spiritual sky, guiding us through the complexities =
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 divi=
ne love.
=
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, tha=
t whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse is often cited, but its depth is immeasurable. I=
t encapsulates the sacrificial nature of God’s love – a love so=
immense that it led to the ultimate gift: the life of Jesus Christ. This i=
s love in its purest form, love that seeks the eternal well-being of others=
=2E
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels no=
r demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither heigh=
t 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 Lord.”
This verse offers a sense of eternal security, a promise that GodR=
17;s love is unshakeable, unbreakable, and everlasting. No matter what tria=
ls or tribulations we face, we are never beyond the reach of divine love.
I John 4:9-10
=
220;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 lo=
ved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for =
our sins.”
Here, the Apostle John gives us a profo=
und insight into the nature of God’s love. It’s proactive, init=
iating a relationship even before we are aware of it. It’s a love tha=
t redeems, restores, and revitalizes.
Ephesians 2:4-5
“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 reco=
rd of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It=
always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
While often read at weddings, this passage serves as a divi=
ne blueprint for love. It’s a reflection of God’s own love for =
us – a love that is patient, kind, and enduring.
&=
nbsp;
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But because o=
f His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Chri=
st even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have b=
een saved.”
Paul reminds us that God’s love i=
s transformative. It doesn’t just save; it brings life, pulling us ou=
t of spiritual darkness into the marvelous light of grace and mercy.
Romans 5:8
“But =
God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, =
Christ died for us.”
Paul brings us back to the cro=
ss, the ultimate symbol of God’s love. It’s a love that doesn&#=
8217;t wait for us to be perfect but meets us in our imperfection, offering=
redemption and grace.
We’ve onl=
y touched briefly on our journey through the landscape of God’s bound=
less love. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just beginning your =
spiritual journey, these verses serve as waypoints, guiding us toward a dee=
per understanding of the love that sustains us all.
[copied/adapted]=
~~
Dr B=
ob Griffin
[email protected] www.grif.net
“Safe from all harm in His sheltering arms
I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.”
www.avast.com