What is Love? Why God Loves Us
John 3:16, 1 John 4:8, 16
In this week’s sermon, we continue the series on God’s love, trying to answer the question, “Why does God love us?” In human relationships, love is commonly dependent on other’s qualities or characteristics. For example, I love you because you are beautiful, smart, admirable, etc. But what if those qualities disappear tomorrow? Will you still love that person?
God’s love contrasts to a worldly love. As noted in 1 John 4:8,16, God’s love is rooted in God himself. God does not care what we accomplish or how we perform. This is why despite our failures and shortcomings, we can be assured that God’s love will be steadfast and sure. If we try to live a morally upright life thinking it will secure God’s love, our motivation is fear. Instead of letting fear motivate us, we should love because God loved us first.
And as recipients of this steadfast love, we are called to reflect it in our relationships with others. Rather than offering conditional love, we’re invited to love freely and faithfully, just as God loves us. So why does God love us? Because He is love. Not because we are perfect, or faithful, or worthy, but because love is His very essence. And when that truth sinks in, it transforms our relationship with Him and with others. We love because He first loved us.
Discussion Questions:
What is one practical way you can reflect God’s unconditional love to someone this week?
How does the idea that “God is love” (1 John 4:8,16) change the way you see God’s character?
Think about someone who’s hard for you to love right now. What makes it difficult?
