God’s Kind of Love (June 29, 2023) 

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

It is tough to love and forgive someone who has hurt us deeply or wronged us. Yet, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are taught to forgive, if we have anything against anyone so that our heavenly Father will forgive our trespasses. We are also commanded to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Not only are we to love other people, some of whom may appear to be unlovable, but we’re to love and forgive our enemies and extend them the same grace that God offers everyone through faith in Christ. Remember that Jesus loves everyone regardless of their background, and He died so all could have forgiveness for their sins, even those we consider to be unworthy of our love.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

How is possible to love and forgive people for whom we hold deep derision, disrespect, or disdain? In fact, it is not, at least not in our own human strength. It is humanly impossible to love the unlovable or our adversaries without divine intervention. The source of this unconditional, sacrificial love is God Himself. “Agape” is the Greek word for selfless love of God whose very nature is love. Distinguished from romantic and brotherly love, agape, God’s kind of love, is unmerited, merciful, and constantly seeking our benefit because He loves us all infinitely. This highest form of love is the exclusive work of the Holy Spirit poured out in the hearts of those that trust in Christ whose death on the cross best exemplifies this glorious, godly love.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)