If you look up the word "love" in any dictionary, you will most likely be provided with numerous definitions. Love exists in the form of familial love, such as the love a parent has for a child. There is romantic love, such as the love a husband has for his wife, or the love a boyfriend has for his girlfriend. There is brotherly love, such as the love a friend has for another. Love also exists in the form of agape love, which Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines as "unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2) : brotherly concern for others."
Love began with God, for as 1 John 4:8 points out, "God is love." Love exists because God exists. Know God, know love (1 John 4:8). The amazing thing about agape love is that it is unconditional love. God himself is agape love (1 John 4:8). The main reason why we love is due to the fact that "he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines unconditional as "not limited in any way." God loves us without any conditions or restrictions whatsoever. He does not love us out of obligation; He chooses to love us because it is part of His nature to love. Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Notice that this verse doesn't say, "While we were still perfect people," or "While we were still faultless." While we were still imperfect, broken people who have made mistakes and messed up over 1,000 times, God gave up his son Jesus Christ, who is perfect, "holy, blameless, pure, [and] set apart from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26), to be pierced to a cross to die for each and every one of our sins. No matter the sin, Jesus died for it. I can recall the beginning of learning John 3:16 in Sunday school as a child. One of my favorite verses, it says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Now that is true love. The best kind of love is the love that God has for mankind: an unconditional love. His love is not based on who we are or what we do. He doesn't love us only when we do what is right. He loves us even when we go astray, mess up, and make mistakes. No matter how many times we decide to do our own thing, instead of following His ways, He still loves us the same. No matter the condition of our hearts, He still loves us the same. Despite our imperfections and failures, He continues to pursue us. No matter how many times we fall, He continues to love us unconditionally and never fails to forgive us of our sins (1 John 1:9). Novelist C.S. Lewis asserts, "After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again." The magnitude of our mistakes can never outweigh the agape love God has for you and I. In her song, "Nobody But You", Dara Maclean points out that no one can love us the way God loves us with these lyrics: Nobody, nobody, uh uh nobody but You can do what You do Who could love me better, lives forever making all things new Nobody but You. The love of God is limitless. His love has no boundaries. You are not worthless. You are not unloved. You are not a mistake. You are valued. You are treasured. You are wanted.
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AuthorHello there! Welcome to my blog! My name's Johanna. I am a Jesus-loving twenty-year-old who also loves to make people laugh, spend time with family, explore the outdoors, and take photos. I hope my blog inspires and encourages you to draw more closer to God and enjoy life more. Remember that you were created for a purpose. You are wonderful. Archives
June 2017
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