What does it mean to be loved by God? It means that when we take a wrong turn in life, it is the unfathomable love of Christ that puts us back on the path. This was certainly true in Paul’s life. The unshakable foundation of his life was the love of Christ. For Paul and all those who followed Christ it was the rock upon which they endured sacrifice and suffering.
This is not an ordinary love – like yours or mine. It is the love of God, the greatest force in heaven and earth. The love of God is Divine, beyond human understanding but established in the very character and nature of God.
What are those characteristics? How do we know the nature of God?
The love of God is unchangeable. It is free, it cannot be earned. It is spontaneous, it emanates directly from God. It is uncaused; it does not originate with us.
“The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved thee” (Deut. 7:7,8)
The Love of God is Eternal. God is eternal; scripture tells us that God is love. God having no beginning or end means His love also has no beginning or end.
“I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” – Jer 31:3
The Love of God is Sovereign. God ruling over all and answerable to none has chosen his love to rule. He and His love are under obligation to no-one and no other. He is a law unto Himself, yet He has chosen to establish the Law of Love over every other law.
The Love of God is Infinite. God being limitless has established love without limits. His love transcends time, temperament or torment. His power is without bounds, He finds nothing to difficult to overcome by His perfect love.
“God so loved” – John 3:16
The Love of God is Immutable. Denied, cursed and rejected Christ’s love for us is not changed or diminished.
“His love no end nor measure knows, No change can turn its course,
eternally the same it flows from one eternal source.” – Ro 8:35-39
The Love of God is holy. His love is ruled by principle not sentiment. His grace comes from His righteous love. God’s love never conflicts with His holiness.
“Now, God’s loving-favor has power to make men right with Himself. It gives life that lasts forever.” – Rom 5:21
The Love of God is Gracious.
His love and grace are inseparable. Christ did not die in order to make God love us. Christ died for us because God loved us with an everlasting love. The Cross of Calvary is the ultimate display of Divine Love.