What is Godly Love? - by Patty Tichonoff
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8 (NIV)
I have been taught and believe that God is perfect love. He is the very definition of love. He is our creator and therefore He generates and demonstrates this love throughout eternity (Psalm 100:5) and that love endures forever.
For me, that promise that He will love me forever has an impact on my well-being. We all have had times when we have felt loneliness. Perhaps someone even said that “You are unlovable.” What an influence on our spirit and soul, leaving us wounded and even angry!
I researched and found that there are attributes that demonstrate His love for us.
· God is always present. Jesus said, “I am with you always.” Paul stated that God’s Spirit lives in us. And David proclaimed that it is impossible to escape God’s presence..
· God is Just. God’s holiness and righteousness mean His judgements are also always fair.
· God is faithful. He keeps his promises.
· God is Good. He is compassionate and gracious. Jesus stated that no one was truly good, except for God alone.
· God is sovereign. God is in control and nothing in our lives happens outside His knowledge or permission. This can bring us great comfort when we are going through hard times. He oversees the natural world, and He directs our steps.
We need to show Christian love through Prayer. We ask for guidance, praying for our enemies. Show compassion. Listen to those who are going through hard times. Be present. This is more than saying the right thing. Sacrifice. Put someone else’s needs before your own but do it humbly. Show grace by forgiving. Share the Gospel and talk about your own struggles. And Do acts of service by letting your neighbor, friend, church family know you care.
The final 3 things that remain (1 Corinthians 13:13:)
Faith, abiding trust in God and His promise,
Hope, expectation of eternal salvation,
Love, unselfish love for others growing out of God's love for me -
the greatest of these is LOVE.
Father, thank You for giving us the actions of Your Godly love. Teach us to use them in our daily lives. Strengthen us to remember Your promises, and to feel Your love which allows us to embrace others who are struggling. AMEN.