1085 God, love of
The deepest possible expression of God’s character. Though God loves all people, he is especially committed to sacrificial, loyal relationships with his people.
God’s nature is love
His love is perfectly expressed within the Trinity Mk 1:10-11 pp Mt 3:16-17 pp Lk 3:21-22 See also Jn 5:20; Jn 10:17; Jn 14:23; Eph 1:6; Col 1:13
Characteristics of God’s love
It is eternal Jer 31:3 See also Ps 103:17; Ps 136:1-26; Isa 49:15-16; Isa 54:8,10
It is a covenant love Dt 7:9 See also Ex 20:6 pp Dt 5:10; Dt 7:12; 1Ki 8:23 pp 2Ch 6:14; Ps 106:45; Da 9:4
It is lavish Ex 34:6-7 See also Ne 9:17; Ps 103:8; Joel 2:13; Jnh 4:2; 1Jn 3:1
It is holy and just Ps 33:5 See also Ps 37:28; Ps 99:4; Isa 61:8
Images of God’s love
God as a father: Dt 1:31; Hos 11:1-4; Lk 15:11-32; Heb 12:6; Pr 3:12 God as a husband: Jer 31:32; Hos 2:14-20; Rev 21:2God’s loving actions
The gift of God’s Son is a unique act of love 1Jn 4:9-10 See also Jn 3:16; Jn 15:13; Ro 5:7-8
God sets his love on the unlovely Dt 7:7-8 See also Eze 16:1-14; Ro 5:8; Eph 2:4-5
God always acts in love towards believers Ro 8:38-39 See also 2Co 13:14; 2Jn 3
God’s love for his people
Israel Isa 43:4 See also Dt 10:15; 2Ch 9:8; Mt 15:24; Ro 9:15-16; Ex 33:19; Ro 11:28
The church Rev 1:5 See also Jn 16:27; Jn 17:23
God’s love for the world
Dt 10:18; Jn 3:16-17 See also Ps 145:9,17; Mt 5:45; Ac 14:17; Ac 17:25
God’s love for individuals
2Sa 12:24-25 “Jedidiah” means “loved by the
Ezr 7:28 Ezra; Ne 13:26 Solomon
God’s love transforms human love
Human love must respond to God’s love 1Jn 4:19 See also Dt 6:5; Dt 30:6; Eph 5:1; Col 3:12-14
Human love must be modelled on God’s love Mt 5:44-45 See also Hos 3:1; 1Jn 2:15; 1Jn 4:7-8,11-12
See also
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