God Is Love

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
John 1	John 2	John 3	Numbers 31	Numbers 32	Psalms 64	Proverbs 20

Scripture tells us that "God is love." (1 John 4:16) He is the definition of love for us. A check of the dictionary definition of love shows a wholly inadequate description when compared to God's defintion. As a noun, the dictionary defines love as, "an intense feeling of deep affection." As a verb love is defined as, "a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone)." God defines love only as a verb, and one of the best descriptions of his love is found in John 3:16: "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Compared to John 3:16, the dictionary definition of love is laughable. Feelings and attachments are not a part of God's definition, only actions. This is not to say feelings and attachments are not involved in His definition. But they are not primary to His meaning of love. For God, love involves giving, and it is no small thing that He gives. It is His Son He gives - the only Son He has. Furthermore, God gave His Son to those who were undeserving. It was not based on merit nor was love given toward God from those to whom He gave. The result is new life for the recipients of God's love. While God's form of love may benefit Him to some extent, the primary benefit is toward those He loves.