No Greater Love

            Why is it so difficult for us to accept the fact that God loves us?  We are reminded time and time again through the Holy Scriptures of the depth and breadth of God's love for his children.  I'd like to take some time this morning and examine God's love as discussed in the Bible. 

1. Who does God love? 

a. The World

            John 3:16, " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

b. Us (The Children of God)

            John 16:27 "No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God."

            Ephesians 2:4-5 "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." 

            2 Thessalonians 2:16  "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope.."

            1 John 3:1 "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

2. How does God demonstrate his love?   

a. By being faithful and keeping his promises

            Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations." 

b. By sending his son when we don't deserve it

            1 John 4:9 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him."

c. By exhibiting an unfailing and enduring love

            Psalm 36:7 "How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!" 
            Psalm 136:2 "Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever." 

d. By giving us the Holy Spirit

            Romans 5:5 "And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

e. By dying for us
            Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

            Examining these verses, what is our response to this?  First, we should accept the fact that God loves us.  I believe this is the most crucial step in the life of a believer.  Do you believe this?  Does this resonate with you, even when you are experiencing suffering in your life?  Let me echo this sentiment:  GOD LOVES YOU, and he loves you resolutely more than you can ever imagine or be mentally cognizant of.  He loves you more than your father, your mother, your wife, your husband, your son, your daughter, or anyone else in your life. 
            Secondly, we should love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Why is this so crucially important to our life?  Because if we love God, we know God AND are known by God.  Consider the following verses, coupled together: 1 Corinthians 8:3 says, "But whoever loves God is known by God." 1 John 4:7 offers " Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 
            Lastly, we should love one another.  1 Thessalonians 4:9 says, "for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other."  1 John 4:7 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God."  And finally, 1 John 4:11,"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."