GOD’S LOVE

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Whenever we think that God’s love for us depends on our behavior or spiritual success, we put ourselves in a hopeless situation because we can never be good enough to deserve God’s love. As Paul explains in his letter to the Romans, God’s love precedes everything. All of our attempts to earn His love will fail. That’s because perfect love would require a perfect effort, clearly beyond us. It is also true that when we think of God’s love as conditional, we unwittingly transform it into something much less than love.

Conditional love is an oxymoron. God’s love is unconditional. When you’re feeling spiritually dull or anxious, ask yourself, “Have I begun to think of God’s love as dependent on my effort?” Thank God for His unconditional, perfect love, and let us all respond by living for Him.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.