Introduction:

1. This is perhaps God’s best known and most popular attribute.

2. Sadly, it is frequently misunderstood leading to harmful extremes.

3. Such a pivotal part of God’s nature needs to be clearly understood.

Discussion:

I. Misconceptions of God’s Love

A. Two extreme fallacies prevail surrounding this concept of God:

1. Some deny God’s omnibenevolence because of the presence of suffering coupled with God’s punishment of the wicked.

2. Others argue that God will save all people in the end because He is love, a position known as universalism.

B. Neither of these views fits the biblical meaning of God’s love.

C. God’s love does not overrule His other characteristics: holiness (Isaiah 6:3), righteousness/justice (Psalms 89:14), pure light (1 John 1:5).

II. Love As Biblically Defined

A. Agape indicates warm regard, esteem, affection (BDAG).

B. Primarily, this is measured in deeds rather than feelings.

III. The Outpouring of God’s Love

A. God’s love produced mercy (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4; 1 John 4:9-10).

B. That He poured such love out on His enemies validates the discussion above (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 5:5-10; Colossians 1:20-22).

C. Suffering and punishment flow from abuse of free will, not lack of love from God (Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy 30:19; Ezekiel 18:30-31; 33:11).

IV. Love Producing Love

A. Grasping God’s love for us is to promote our love for Him (Matthew 22:37-38; John 14:15; 1 John 4:19).

B. Love for Him demands love for others (Matthew 22:39; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:11-19; 4:7-12, 20-21; 5:1-3).

1. God is love, and He is love’s source.

2. If we love Him as we should, we will be moved to live out that love in all we do.

3. Though never perfected in us, may we ever strive to love as He loves.