This verse does not define God as love; it describes God’s love as permeating His essence in all He is and all He does. As for today’s headlines tout stories of scandal, tragedy, and war; believers can be confident knowing all they need is God’s love. Theologian A.W. Tozer once stated, “Nothing God ever does, or ever did, or ever will do, is separate from the love of God.” Everything He has ever done has been out of love. Here are several key implications that this attribute - God is love - that is for all people today.  At the core of these qualities is the unwavering and unfailing aspect of love. God has proven this nature about Himself to humanity throughout the ages. He has maintained a covenantal relationship with humanity since creation. Even in our sinfulness, God continued to maintain patience with us and show us mercy. When Adam and Eve sinned, before they had to leave the garden, God lovingly provided clothing to cover their nakedness. Even through the Israelites rebellions, God maintained His covenant relationships with them. After Jonah fled from the Lord, God delivered him from death through the big fish. By looking at the faithfulness of God’s love throughout history, we can trust that He will continue to act accordingly in our lives.

 

The greatest demonstration of God’s love was this gift of His Only Son. God did not send Christ as a reward to the obedient, but rather as a ransom for the defiant.  We see Jesus display his love throughout His life and ministry. He healed the sick without requirement of gratitude.  He displayed humility even though He was King of Kings.  Even while on the cross, Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of the ones who placed Him there (John 3:16, 1 John 3:16, 4:10, Romans 5:8).

 

Salvation is open to all who believe in Christ.  God’s love does not discriminate. Jesus set for us the example to love and gives us the command to follow in His example (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-20). When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He took the role of a servant and placed the needs of others above His own dignity. He instructed His followers to do the same. He tells to love our neighbors as well as our enemies. Yet, this task is not burdensome, for love is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).  When we rest and abide in God, love outpours onto others as a result (1 John 4:7). It is through our love that the world will know that we belong to Christ. Because God’s nature is love, His love is unconditional. As He knew before creation that we would be disobedient, He chose a path to save us from our sins (Ephesians 1:4-5). This gives us hope as His children. We do not have to view God as our “Punisher-in-Chief,” but rather as our Heavenly Father who has a plan and purpose for our lives.