All of who God is can be summed up in this statement: God is love. It is because of his love that Jesus came to earth in the form of a man. His sole purpose was to do the will of his Father.
Jesus called, trained and nurtured followers (disciples) who would continue to proclaim his love to others, after he died on the cross to pay the full penalty of sin. He, being sinless, took on the sins of the world –- past, present, and future. He bore God’s full wrath. He took my place and yours so that we could receive his gift of eternal life.
When I was eleven years old, I realized that I would not get to heaven through my parents’ belief. I would one day stand alone before a righteous holy God, and I knew that I was not righteous. I was lost, and needed to acknowledge that I was a sinner in need of a savior.
I did not accept the Lord Jesus because of His love, but rather because of my fear of going to hell. It was years later that I embraced his unconditional love for me personally.
Through the hard trials in my life, he has become more precious. He has shown himself faithful moment by moment. I know experientially that he is trustworthy. Every living being is breathing in his presence with every breath we take. There is nothing in this life that can rival our intimate communion with the one whose love is eternal.
Father, I rejoice in your amazing love, not only for me, but also for the whole world. Thank you for commissioning me to take your gospel message to those around me. What a privilege to be a bearer of your eternal attributes of love, righteousness, truth, grace, and mercy.
Throughout this day: Make some time to meditate on today’s verse in context (1 John 4, and ask God what he wants you to notice, remember and practice concerning his love.
Photo Credit: Volodymyr Leush