Divine Love

“ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

From childhood through our teenage years, many of us struggled with our siblings, often competing for our parents' attention and affection. We might not have felt the same obligation to extend that love to others during this time. While we may have genuinely cared for some people, our feelings often derive from factors such as the desire for reciprocation, physical attraction, or the person's social status. In many cases, our version of "love" is linked to what brings us comfort, pleasure, or benefit. Consequently, when those we love overlook us, our feelings can wither, leading us to stop loving them. This dynamic represents "human love."

Human love is heavily reliant on the actions and reactions of others. We might initially extend kindness or affection, but if we don't receive a comparable response, our treatment of that person may shift, and we may withdraw our love. In contrast, divine love is fundamentally different. It springs from within us, independent of the recipient's behavior or circumstances. It is a conscious decision to care for and love someone, regardless of their actions. True love transcends the notion of reciprocation; it embodies sacrifice, often requiring our time, resources, or comfort.

Why do so many relationships, even those that begin with fervent passion, eventually grow cold and fade away? Initially, we might wonder if a significant event caused this separation. However, a closer look reveals deeper issues. Often, the root of families' misery and suffering lies in the absence of divine love. In contrast, families that embrace divine love tend to grow stronger, supporting one another even in challenging circumstances.

Throughout our upbringing, we experience a certain level of human love, which shapes our understanding of affection. When we think about love, we often draw upon those personal experiences. This familiarity does not necessarily illuminate the true nature of divine love. Yet, we find ourselves, consciously or unconsciously, searching for a deeper connection. So, what is this divine love that brings meaning and stability to our lives?

When Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" for the third time, Peter felt disturbed. He had experienced divine and sacrificial love and knew he loved Jesus more than anyone else. Still, the question lingered: did he love Jesus in the same profound way?

Jesus demonstrated divine love not because we had earned it or were worthy, but while we were still sinners. He willingly took to the cross as the ultimate sacrifice, paying the penalty for our shortcomings:

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”  Romans 5:8 (NLT)

Our discovery of divine love begins when God forgives our sins and grants us eternal life. This experience deepens as the Holy Spirit works within our hearts, transforming us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. As we actively love those around us, that divine love intensifies. While acts like donating money, providing financial help, and even enduring suffering for our faith are commendable, they pale in comparison to the power of genuine love. We have surely missed the point if we cannot love the people around us!

“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT)

We often pass by the sad faces on the street, feeling indifferent simply because we don't know them. However, when a friend is struggling, we instinctively stop to empathize and offer comfort. Loving others isn't merely an emotional feeling or affection; it is an action grounded in a conscious decision. When a family member is in pain, we rush to help, finding relief once the situation is resolved. In the same way, our Creator longs for us to care for one another, fostering a sense of belonging as members of a loving family.

“When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. When one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26

The question of how God can love both good and bad people often arises. It's relatively easy to extend love to those who show us respect, but it becomes challenging to demonstrate love to those who are unloving or difficult. This struggle stems from our human capacity for love. However, when divine love flows into our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit, it empowers us to love anyone—even our enemies.

Take the parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37, as an example. The Samaritan did not differentiate between friends and foes; he responded to the needs of a wounded man without hesitation because divine love filled his heart. Similarly, when we show love to our less mature Christian brothers and sisters, we invest in their growth. One day, we can take pride in their spiritual strength. Additionally, when we pray for our enemies, we can find joy in their transformation and salvation!

This brings us to a pressing question: If God is so loving, why does He punish people or send them to hell? Many ponder this question, yet few seek a genuine answer, as they often look for reasons to dismiss or mock God's justice.

Love and holiness are God's defining attributes. Nothing unholy can endure in His presence. His righteousness ensures that no sin goes unpunished, reflecting a deep moral order that even we, as sinful humans, recognize. We instinctively understand the need for justice, which is why societies establish laws to prevent injustice and punish oppressors.

Yet, God's love compels Him to desire that no one remains under judgment. To demonstrate this love, He took on human flesh and entered our world to personally bear the penalties of our sins. He provides us with the freedom to choose our destiny. God is incredibly patient, allowing us ample time to make our decisions. He has equipped us with minds capable of understanding logic. He has offered sufficient evidence to trust Him, as stated in John 20:30-31.

God expects every fruit-bearing tree to produce fruit (Matthew 7:19 and Luke 13:6-9). Even when we bear unhealthy fruit, He graciously gives us a second chance, offering to transform our sinful nature to produce good fruit. Rather than rushing to judgment, God waits, hoping that all may be saved.

“The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

We are faced with a serious choice, one that carries eternal consequences. When we acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness through our faith in Jesus and the power of His blood, we are granted salvation from eternal judgment. Conversely, if we reject the gift of salvation, relying instead on our own perceived good deeds while continuing in the sinful behaviors—as outlined in Galatians 5:19-21—we risk eternal separation from God.

Blessed are those who embrace God’s friendship and live a life enriched with His divine love! Having received this undeserved grace, let us hold dear the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and strive to live in a way that reflects His teachings.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)

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