God Is Love Series

God is Love

February 14, 2021

Well, today is Valentine’s Day and I was going to hold off on this attribute of God until the end, but it seemed very appropriate to talk about today. Of course, it’s God’s attribute of Love.

The great 20th century theologian, Karl Barth, a man of amazing intelligence. A man who wrote this 13 volume theology called Church Dogmatics - - - the dude was smart! When he was asked what he considered to be the most significant theological truth he ever encountered. His response may surprise you - - - He said, “Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so!”

That’s a great response! But for many of us we don’t realize God loves us. We hear about, we may even talk about it, but many don’t really believe it. So, my hope today is to convince you from that very Bible that Barth wrote extensively on . . . and let you know, God loves even you!

Before we really get going, I came across some comments kids made about love.

If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don’t want to do it. It takes too long.

It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I’m only a kid. I don’t need that kind of trouble.

I’m not rushing into love – I’m finding fourth grade hard enough.

No one is sure why it happens but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.

Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.

You gotta love their thinking.

Love is the greatest way God demonstrates His love for us. In fact, every attribute of God’s which we talk about in this series is predicated on love.

Love is not something God chooses to do or give. It is the very essence of who He is. He doesn’t just love – He is love. It is the underlying motivation behind every thing which God does, desires and plans for.

Contemporary theologian Wayne Grudem, simply said, “God’s love means that God eternally gives of Himself to others.” I like that image. God giving Himself to others. And I would add, that God doesn’t consider the personal cost.

In his great book, The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer, wrote this about God’s love - - -

“I can no more do justice to this awesome and wonder-filled topic than a child can grasp a star. Still, by reaching toward the star the child may call attention to it and even indicate the direction one must look to see it. And so, I stretch my heart toward the high, shining love of God so that we may be encouraged to look up and have hope.”

I like that because even when I cannot fully describe God’s love, which my words will always fall short. I can reach my heart toward the stars, toward the shining love of God and be encouraged and gain hope because of His powerful love for me.

So, what does the Bible say about God’s love? A LOT! We could be here all day talking about God’s love according to the Bible. Some passages to hold onto are -

6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, - Exodus 34:6

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! - Psalm 36:7

3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. - Psalm 63:3

15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. - Psalm 86:15

76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise… - Psalm 119:76

17 But in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back. - Isaiah 38:17

17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17

5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and steadfastness of Christ. - 2 Thessalonians 3:5

1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. - 1 John 3:1

8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. - John 3:16-17