December 2, God is Love
This is how God showed His love . . . He sent His Son.
I John 4:9
The bible communicates two foundational facts about love: God is love (I John 4:8), and God demonstrated His love (I John 4:9). In human relationships, someone may say, “I love you." But how much more significant that love becomes when demonstrated in the sincerest way possible. With God, neither is His love limited to just a statement, nor only expressed in activity. Every word that God has divinely breathed, and every act of His divine will all builds upon the fact that He loves you. This is irrefutable, for His very nature is love. Nothing He does contradicts His nature. He is fully and completely love. And, He demonstrates His love perfectly. You can never separate those two foundational facts. God is the God who acts, and His actions are always consonant with His nature (I John 1:5 and 4:8).
If you desire to explore the depths of all Biblical history and scholarship, here it is: God is love. If you desire to know the clear and precise message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, here it is: God has demonstrated His love.
So today, realize that our God is a God who acts in reference to His nature. He is love; His work in and around us is inextricably connected with His love. You can trust Him. And, when you cannot trace His hand at work, trust His heart of perfect love toward you.
The Bible reminds us that although God spoke in the past to the fathers of faith by the prophets in many ways, in these last days He has spoken to us through the Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). So, take a worshipful moment today and ponder the babe in the manger. Look unto Jesus who is Christ the Lord to know the certainty and fullness of God’s nature. And as you look unto Jesus, know of God's perfect love manifested in the Son.
When you begin to doubt that God cares, or even hears your prayers, remember that He is love. When God doesn’t seem to respond in the way you had hoped He would, remember that He is love. And when the plans you have made seem to fade and all hope seems lost, remember that God is love. He is for you. Hasn’t the gift of His only Son proven this already?
He loves you. This is who He is. This is God.
Blessings.