The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Monday, June 15, 2020

THE LOVE OF GOD

The Bible says God is love (1 John 4:8). A vast number of the populace doesn’t understand the love of God, it’s almost impossible for them to believe or comprehend. Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) What love is this? Is it different from Philia, Eros, Pragma? Yes, this is the God kind of love. The Greek word is translated “Agape”. Agape is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is not only one of God's attributes; it is also an essential part of His nature. "God is love," the Bible declares (1 John 4:8,16) - the personification of perfect love. Such love surpasses our powers of understanding (Eph 3:19). Love like this is everlasting (Jer 31:3), free (Hos 14:4), sacrificial (John 3:16), and enduring to the end (John 13:1).

 Love can be known only from the actions it prompts, as seen in God's love in the gift of His Son 1 John 4:9-10 “And the love of God was made clear to us when he sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. And this is love, not that we had love for God, but that he had love for us, and sent his Son to be an offering for our sins.” Love found its perfect expression in the Lord Jesus. Christian love is the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus in the believer (Gal 5:22). God’s love knows no bounds; scripture says while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God is love and it’s impossible for Him to hate his creation. A large number of people lack understanding of the love of God, you ask them, does God love you? Their best guess is I think He does or even if they say Yes He loves me, and you ask – Does God love you more than Jesus? They say no He doesn’t, it’s impossible, they say Jesus is the son of God forgetting that they themselves are sons of God. Jesus praying in John 17:23 “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (NIV) Jesus prayed, and we believe God answered His prayers. Frankly speaking God loves you just as much as He loves Jesus. Selah!  Romans 5:8.

Confession: I am blessed, I enjoy the love of God, I am protected, I enjoy tender love and favor.

Prayer: I will never desert your love for me O Lord

Further Reading: John 13:34-35 & John 14:21

Read Though the Bible: Deuteronomy 20 & Psalm 107