God Is Love, So Why Don’t We Love Like Him?
A plain and direct look at what it really means that God is love, why He loved us first, and how believers are called to love others with that same grace.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7–8
God is love. That is who He is. And He showed that love long before we ever reached for Him. Scripture says, “We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. He loved us when we were still sinful and running the other way. He loved us when our lives were a mess. He loved us when we had nothing to offer Him. If He loved us like that, then His people should love others the same way.
Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was. He answered plainly.
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37–40
Everything God calls us to do hangs on love. If love is missing, we have missed Him. A faith that has no love in it does not reflect the heart of God. It only reflects us.
Jesus went further than telling us to love our neighbor.
“But I say to you who listen: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27–28
Anyone can love a friend. Only a follower of Christ can love an enemy. That is where obedience shows up. That is where His character becomes visible in us.
So here is the truth told plain. God never told us to use His Word to tear people apart. He didn’t tell us to turn cold, harsh, or suspicious and call it “spiritual.” He told us to love. He told us to forgive. He told us to show people the same grace He showed us when we didn’t deserve it.
God is love. And if we belong to Him, that love should lead our words, our actions, and our lives. Without it, no matter how religious we sound, we are not following Him.
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am an internationally published author. I have written two books: Embracing God’s Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
