God's kind of Love
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (NIV) 1 John 4:8
Three months ago the world celebrated that powerful force known as love. The world focuses more on the romantic aspect of this emotion, I want to focus on the meaning of the word from God's perspective. You see God's love, biblical love, has an aspect that the world tries to copy but fails. That aspect is to be God's love, the love spoken of in the Bible.
God's kind of love is no different. In a romantic sense, between a man and woman, it was intended for us to have one partner during this lifetime. While I realize that for many it is not the case, that doesn't alter or change what God's plan is. For those who have gone through the pain of divorce, broken relationships, you understand very well why God's plan is the best plan. I want to encourage those young adults today to not hurry into romantic relationships so early in life.
Outside the romantic arena, God expects us to love others. How can you love someone you don't even know? Think about the love God showed when He gave His only begotten son on a cross 2000 years ago for the sins of this world. For the sins of everyone, including those who mock and curse Him. That is the true test of unconditional love. Loving someone who loves you is easy. Can you love someone who has been mean to you, done bad things to you, caused you pain and heartache? God did. How do you think God feels about those who defy Him, work against Him, hate Him. These are the people He gave His only begotten son for.
Think of someone today, who you might label as your enemy, someone who you have had problems with in your life. I want you to get on your knees tonight before you go to bed and pray for that person. Pray for them, and then ask God to help you develop the love for that person. The Bible tells us to "love our enemies". Again, that is God's kind of love. You will not even begin to know the feeling of joy and peace as you pray for that person. The blessings you will know as you love that person. God loved you even though you were a sinner, how can we do any less? Make today a special day as you pray for that person in your life who has harmed you in some way, and that God gives you the strength to love that person.