Because God Is Love

By Paul Chappell

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

1 John 4:7–8

A lady in Spain made the news when she chose a unique way to test her husband’s love. With the help of a friend, she manipulated her own kidnapping and sent a ransom notice to her husband. When the police discovered the kidnapping was a hoax, they asked the lady why she did it. “I wanted to find out what my husband would do for me,” she replied.

People in our world are desperate to know if they are truly loved, and they are often skeptical of the possibility of real love. Human love apart from God is only a cheap imitation—a selfish emotion that seeks personal gratification.

Our verses today tell us that God is love. His very nature is love, and His sacrifice for us on the cross defines the extent of real love. If our Creator’s nature was not the very essence of love, there would be none in us. No mercy, grace, compassion, or kindness exists apart from Him.

As Christians, God commands us to love one another. Because He is love, and because He has given us His nature, He instructs us to display His love to others.

We must remember, however, that apart from God, we cannot love others with the pure love that Christ gave to us. Loving others is not something that we work hard to muster up. Love is a fruit that God produces in us. Galatians 5:22 reminds us, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love…." If we desire to consistently demonstrate God’s love to others, we must abide in Christ and allow His love to freely flow through us.

Does your life reveal the true love of Christ? Can others see the attribute of God’s nature in you? Take a moment now to ask the Lord how you can express His love to someone today.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Because God is love, He gives us the capacity and ability to demonstrate His love to others.