God is Love: More Than a Feeling, It’s His Identity
How do you define God? The Bible gives us many answers, but perhaps the most profound and comforting is this: God is love (1 John 4:8). This isn’t just saying God has love or shows love. It means that love is the very core of His being, the essence of who He is. Everything He does flows from this perfect, unconditional love.
In a world where love is often conditional, performance-based, and fleeting, this truth is an anchor for our souls. Your worth is not determined by what you do, but by who He is. Let’s dive into what this means for us.
The Ultimate Proof of Divine Love
We can talk about love in abstract terms, but God didn’t leave it there. He provided the irrefutable, historical evidence of His love on a cross at Calvary.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV)
Notice the timing: while we were still sinners. He didn’t wait for us to get our act together. He didn’t extend His love because we were lovely. In our rebellion and brokenness, He took the first, last, and most costly step. The cross is the ultimate demonstration—the proof—that God is love. It was a sacrificial action, not a sentimental reaction.
Living Loved: Your Identity in Christ
Understanding that God is love changes everything. If His nature is love, then:
· His thoughts toward you are loving. (Jeremiah 29:11)
· His plans for you are rooted in love.
· His correction and discipline come from a place of love, like a perfect parent. (Hebrews 12:6)
When you fail, you run to Him, not from Him, because you know His heart is love. When you feel unworthy, you can cling to the truth that your worth is defined by His nature, not your performance.
A Prayer to Embrace His Love
Heavenly Father, thank you that your very nature is love. Help me to grasp how wide, long, high, and deep your love is for me in Christ Jesus. When I am tempted to doubt my worth, remind me of the cross—the ultimate proof of your love. Teach me to live securely as your beloved child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Question: What is one area of your life where you need to accept God’s unconditional love today?
Written by: Shepherd Suhuyini