A term frequently used to describe the highest form of unselfish love is altruistic love. A close friend asks you to help him move to another residence. These soldiers made the ultimate physical sacrifice—they laid down their lives for others. Thus, even in situations where there is no specific Bible law, we can often perceive “what the will of Jehovah is.”—Ephesians 5:17. Love is not just a feeling; nor is it a matter of mere words. 11 Our obedience, then, is not given begrudgingly; nor is it selective or conditional. 1 Acts 13:22 So love is your creator. 7. Love of God Baháʼí Faith. The Love of God is frequently mentioned in the Bible through stories and proverbs as divine, true and everlasting. Love starts with God. Your friend selects the boxes he wants you to move. God’s love is not like this. (Proverbs 11:20) We are also choosing the best way of life. How much does God love me? Is it even possible to love like God does? When the Jewish leaders asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was, He replied, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. Jesus Christ is the Love of God. If God has always been love and love demands an object, we may wonder how God demonstrated His love before He created angels or men. 2. ^ par. Jesus answered that question. Consider recipients of the Medal of Honor. (1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:18; 10:14; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:9) Observing God’s commandments involves living in harmony with the Bible’s clear moral standards. with everlasting life in view.” (Jude 21) The phrase “keep yourselves” suggests that to remain in God’s love, action on our part is required. “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”, Share “Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). Consider these Bible verses where God tells us how much He loves us! As children of God, we will also be growing in the love of God—loving as God loves. Why do we choose a course of obedience to Jehovah, and what sort of obedience do we give him? Hence, in the course of each day, we may encounter many situations for which there are no specific Bible commands. The same word is rendered “oppressive” at Acts 20:29, 30 and refers to heavy-handed apostates who would “speak twisted things” and seek to mislead others. TERMS OF USE And more than that, He kept the commands of God throughout His life—perfectly! The last six describe ways in which our love toward our fellow man is expressed, both in mind and in action. God’s commandments describe love in action: love toward God and love toward our fellow man. Let us be your guide as you spend a week discovering who God is and what He has in store for you—in this life and the next. The love of the Father and the Son. Ephesians 1:18-23 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, … Within God’s perfect love is the reality that God chastens those whom He loves. The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He created us to have a loving relationship with Him, and He sacrificed His own Son (who also willingly died for … The Old Testament uses a rich vocabulary to express the love of God, as a concept that appears in many... Greek polytheism. Since Jesus led a sinless life, He did not have to die. God's love is a life-giving, energizing force. 13 At Matthew 23:4, this word is used to describe the “heavy loads,” the minute rules and man-made traditions that the scribes and Pharisees put upon the common people. And let us see our wholehearted obedience for what it is—a precious opportunity to show Jehovah just how much we love him. God offers something much more. As we do, we need to keep a number of important things in mind. How quickly human “love” can turn to hate in the divorce court. So, what does God want us to do? Some of them are light enough for one person to carry comfortably, but others are heavy and require two people to lift them. 4, 5. 4 “The love of God”—what did the apostle John have in mind when he penned those words? God's Love: His Discipline. True love for God involves more than simply saying, “I love Jehovah.” Like faith, genuine love is defined and characterized by the actions it prompts. and in addition to that love He gives promises and gifts. He could have rightly reclaimed eternal life. (Matthew 5:43-48) More important, he looks after our spiritual needs. We therefore choose not to be entertained by watching graphic portrayals of the sort of practices that our God hates. We … The number-one commandment is to love God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version (© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. (b) What important question do we need to consider, and where is the answer found? Would you like to read this article in %%? "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. If you have come into a dedicated relationship with Jehovah God, your answer surely is an emphatic yes—and rightly so! Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to your inbox. Do we know the Word of God, or only think we do? “But God… It consists of a platinum cast of an 18th-century human skull encrusted with 8,601 flawless diamonds, including a pear-shaped pink diamond located in the forehead that is known as the Skull Star Diamond. Jehovah is a God of infinite wisdom. See John 3:3-8; 17:1-3. It’s a real eye-opener! His Word plainly tells us: “[Jehovah] hates anyone who loves violence.” (Psalm 11:5) It also says: “God will judge sexually immoral people.” (Hebrews 13:4) By reflecting on those inspired words, we can clearly perceive what the will of Jehovah is. One resource that can be helpful is “Knowing God,” our free seven-day Journey. Nothing brings us greater joy or deeper satisfaction than knowing that we are living in a way that “obtains Jehovah’s approval.”—Proverbs 12:2. In other places we are urged to become perfected in the love of God (1 John 2:5). By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). He cares for our physical and material needs. For the Love of God is a sculpture by artist Damien Hirst produced in 2007. “But the fruit of the spirit is love” (Galatians 5:22). (Read Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 6:16-19) We come to discern attitudes and actions that he values. (Romans 11:33) He therefore knows what is best for us. (a) To remain in God’s love, what is required on our part? Self-will, that is, self-pleasing, is the negation of love to God. 17, 18. But rather, Jesus’ love was displayed as He stood in the gap and said to His Father that He would take the death penalty for the sins of His friends—and, more significantly, for the sins of His enemies. He would not want you to hurt yourself by trying to carry them alone. Copyright © 2021 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 18 To help us discern right from wrong, Jehovah has lovingly endowed us with the faculty of conscience. Yet there is even more to your development of godly love. As surprising as it may seem, God expects us to become perfected by having the same love as Jesus has—a love so strong that, yes, He laid down His life not just for His friends, not just for His followers who came after, but for all mankind. He gives us his Word, the Bible. This means that we have freedom of choice; we can choose to obey God, or we can choose to disobey him. Dedication and baptism mark the beginning of a life of loving obedience to Jehovah. It shall forevermore endure— The saints’ and angels’ song. To grow in your understanding of God’s love for you, take some time over the next few weeks and read Psalms 103, John 15, and 1 John 4, and note all the ways that God’s love is described. True love for God involves more than simply saying, “I love Jehovah.” Like faith, genuine love is defined and characterized by the actions it prompts. - Beloved (see on verse 1) The address is specially suitable where the subject is love. Just as a child is eager to win his father’s smile of approval, so we want to win Jehovah’s approval. (Deuteronomy 12:32) We want Jehovah to say of us what his Word says of Noah. In fact, the Bible says that God is love! 11 Even the wicked spirits can begrudgingly obey. If “God is love,” then “Love is God.” So say virtually all of the founders of the “metaphysical” or “mind science” sects, along with many Eastern and New Age teachers. 1, 2. In answering this way, Jesus summarized the whole emphasis of the 10 Commandments. But do we really need a specific law against watching such things? How measureless and strong! 3. The love of God is expressed through His offer of a chance to join His spiritual family and live forever. This cannot be said (for instance) of Allah. (Psalm 65:2; Luke 11:13) Above all, he sent his most precious Son to be our Ransomer so that we might be delivered from sin and death. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102008060/univ/art/1102008060_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/lv/E/wpub/lv_E_lg.jpg, Share 1. Discovering the love of God is the single most important discovery you can do in … How do you achieve this kind of godly love? Can you recall when love for Jehovah began to grow in your heart? As God is immutable, so is His love. Your first step should be to prove that there is a God (see “Is There a God?”), then prove that the Bible is the Word of God (see Is the Bible True?) But in both cases, our love for God and his love for us, the ultimate aim is the same: that we find ultimate satisfaction in God, and that God finds or pursues satisfaction in God and the display of God, the exalting of God. However, in this life we will never become perfect in love as God is. We don’t love God by helping God out of deficiency into joy. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. No. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom. —Jude 21. “God is love” not only describes the nature of God the Father; … (Matthew 20:28; Romans 5:12, 18) You began to appreciate the magnitude of the sacrifice Jehovah made in sending his most precious Son to die for you. 10, 11. Indeed, it does—and for good reason! 5. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, … As the apostle Paul wrote: “Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5). Really, how could it be otherwise? Divine love is the factor that transforms reluctant compliance with God’s commandments into blessed dedication and consecration. Vine’s definition includes: “Christian love has God for its primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments, John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1 John 2:5; 5:3; 2 John 6. We do not choose such a course simply to escape punishment or to avoid the harmful consequences that come to those who ignore God’s will. The plan begins to unfold with the offer of eternal life to all mankind. In the original Greek used to write the New Testament, there is more than one word for love. Take advantage of this website to learn what the Bible really says about both the Word of God, the love of God and His plan for you. Without God’s Spirit we can’t please God or become His children (Romans 8:8-9, 16; see “How to Please God”). One of the descriptions of God Himself is that “God is love” (1 John 4:16). (b) What will be discussed in the next chapter? We recognize that he deserves—and requires—nothing less than our complete and unconditional obedience. Used by permission. 16. 13, 14. He wants us to follow in the steps of Jesus to develop the same kind of love. The first four describe ways we actively express our love toward God—the way we live—when our heart, mind and soul are focused in love toward Him. Yet, to be a reliable guide, our conscience needs to be trained, as the next chapter will discuss. Do you have this kind of godly love? (Read Romans 14:7, 8.) What motivates you to love Jehovah God? He provides us with a beautiful earthly home. Genesis 1:26 tells us God’s words at the creation of humanity: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” Since human beings have the capability to love, and since we are made in the likeness of God, He must be the source of love. Many people misunderstand the attribute of God’s nature which is love. Give an example. Why is it only right that we obey Jehovah?—Revelation 4:11. Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! His laws are not beyond the ability of imperfect humans to obey. His Word says that we thereby make his “heart rejoice.” (Proverbs 27:11) Does our obedience really bring joy to the heart of the Sovereign Lord of the universe? And what higher form of altruistic love could there be than giving your life? Hence, when love for Jehovah took root in your heart, you were moved to want to live in a way that pleases your heavenly Father. 12 How does Jehovah feel about our willing obedience? God’s Word admonishes us: “Keep yourselves in God’s love . How does this transformation happen? Not necessarily. . “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). It is received and experienced by the elect only. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe, Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/who-is-god/love-of-god/. He did just so.”—Genesis 6:22. Even more is required (Romans 5:7). This expression refers, not to God’s love for us, but to our love for him. 8, 9. Where does love come from? (Romans 7:21-25) But our love for God can win out. 17 In this publication, we will examine Jehovah’s principles and moral standards and many other indications of his will. If we feel compassion for others in the same way we feel compassion for our own dear ones and ourselves, we can know that we love God. But God does love us by helping us out of deficiency into joy. Jesus practiced what He preached! 16 This is not to say that obedience to God is an easy course to follow. All rights reserved. 13 The apostle John tells us something very reassuring about Jehovah’s requirements: “His commandments are not burdensome.” The Greek word translated “burdensome” at 1 John 5:3 literally means “heavy.” * Another Bible translation here reads: “His commandments do not weigh us down.” (New English Translation) Jehovah’s requirements are not unreasonable or oppressive. Keep yourselves in the love of God . you cant comprehend how God loves, even in our SINFUL nature He still loves us. * We do not pick and choose, obeying only when it is convenient or when doing so presents little or no challenge. To love God is to put Him first. It’s an undivided love. . Jesus Christ Was “Father-Centered”—Are You? a girl loves a boy and expects the whole world. “Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. ( James 2:26 ) Specifically, love expresses itself in deeds pleasing to the one who is loved. In that same verse, what are the two conditions for accessing and possessing God’s love? From 1 John 3:11, 12 St. John renews his exhortations to love, this time at greater length and in closer connexion with the other great subject of this second half of the Epistle, the birth from God. Why do we want to live each day in harmony with what we know to be God’s way of thinking? What great love Jehovah has shown to us!—Read John 3:16; Romans 5:8. Why can we be confident that Jehovah’s commandments are for our greatest good? The love of God was demonstrated by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to make it possible for us to be forgiven and to become children of God. 6. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?” (Matthew 5:43-46). Do you know how to love like God loves? The apostle Paul showed the connection between having the Holy Spirit and the love of God: Through the Holy Spirit God puts His loving laws in our hearts and writes them in our minds (Hebrews 10:16). “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”. How is it possible to love people you don’t like… The Bible puts it this way: “We love, because he [Jehovah] first loved us.”—1 John 4:19. He doesn't love us because we're lovable or because we make Him feel good; He loves us because He is love. The path to godly love requires a commitment from us to both know and follow the Word of God. This esoteric interpretation of 1 John 4:8 and 16 allows them to argue that God is an impersonal principle rather than a personal being. How Should a Christian Deal With the Coronavirus Pandemic? “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 15 Jehovah’s commandments are far from being burdensome; they are for our greatest good. Since 1941 over half have been presented posthumously. O my strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God” (Psalms 59:16,17). 15. God’s love must be "read" within the rest of what Scripture teaches about his divine attributes. “This Is What the Love of God Means”, Publication download options
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