God’s Love: Our Guiding Principle
The New Testament is filled with verses that tell us what the love of God should mean in practical experience. Here are ten of the most powerful statements on the subject:
1. It is the visible mark of genuine Christian faith
“By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35
2. It is the means by which forgiven sinners can live in harmony
“And above all things have fervent [love] among yourselves: for [love] shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
3. It is the standard by which Christian husbands will be judged
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it.” Ephesians 5:25
4. It is the great principle of Christian conduct
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
5. It is God’s counterbalance against harsh words
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
6. It is the supreme motive for sharing Christ with others
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if One died for all, then were all dead.” 2 Corinthians 5:14
7. It is proof positive that we know God
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
8. It is the path to confident, victorious living
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18
9. It is the sum total of what God demands from us
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10
10. It is the supreme virtue and will last for all eternity
“And now abideth faith, hope, [love], these three; but the greatest of these is [love].” 1 Corinthians 13:13
Love is truly the language of Heaven. It comes from the heart of God and is poured out into the heart of every believer. Love fulfills the law because when we live in love, we are truly living in the essence of God Himself.
—Adapted from “Sense and Nonsense About God’s Love” by Ray Pritchard.