Mar 11 – The Love of God !

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5).

The greatest attribute of God is love. “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

His love is sacrificial love, active love, and He is willing to pour out His love for you willingly. It was because of that love, that the Father gave His only Son for us. It was because of that love, that the Son gave His blood and His very life for us.

In Greek, divine love is described as agape love—self-giving love that expects nothing in return. Among all kinds of love in this world, the Lord’s love is supreme. It is a love that leaves us in awe.

There is a species of fish in South America called the “four-eyed fish.” Its unique ability is that it can see both above and below the water surface at the same time. As it swims, the lower half of its eyes remains below the water, and the upper half above. The lenses are specially designed to focus differently, enabling it to look in two directions simultaneously.

Likewise, your love must look in two directions. First, upward—toward the God of heaven. Second, outward—toward your brothers and sisters on earth. Did not the Lord declare the two greatest commandments? To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and to love your neighbour as yourself.

The beauty of Christianity lies in love. When unbelievers see the love you display, they are drawn to the Lord. The love of God has been poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who helps you understand the depths of divine love.

Have you considered that harsh, unnecessary, and unloving words grieve the Holy Spirit? Some speak harshly of others. Some mock based on caste or background. Some look down on the poor. When such things happen, the heart of God is grieved. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).

Dear children of God, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Be filled with the love of God.

Verse for further meditation: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).