Our Family Time with God

Nov. 6, 2009

LOVING LIKE

GOD LOVES

Scripture Reading--1 John 4:7-11

Our Scripture reading says that "God is love" ( v. 8 ). In a world that promotes a distorted view of love, we must seek to understand God's love to fully grasp how to "love one another" ( v. 7, 11 ). God's love provides a perfect pattern for us to follow in loving each other.

1. God's love is unconditional. God doesn't love only those who are lovely or lovable. "But

God commendeth his love toward us...while we were yet sinners" ( Rom. 5:8a ). A sinless God

demonstrated perfect love for sinners, not because they loved God but because they needed

God.

2. God's love is unselfish. The proof of God's love is that He is a giving God. John 3:16a says,

"For God so loved the world, that he gave." God didn't merely tell the world He loved it;

rather, He proved His love. It might be said that you can give without loving, but you

will never love without giving.

3. God's love is unending. There is no such thing as short-time love from God. People often

love as long as someone is loving them back. Romans 8:38-39 tells us nothing can "separate

us from the love of God" ( v. 39 ). God keeps loving no matter the response from those He

loves.

A relationship that pleases God will demonstrate God's kind of love. When we love like God loves, His love becomes the bond that holds the friendship together. This is the kind of friendship that provides a lifelong blessing. As you develop friendships, ask these important questions. "What kind of friend am I?" "Have I learned to demonstrate God's love to those I claim are my friends?" God's love is a wonderful blessing, and your love will be a great blessing, too, if you love like God loves.

PRAY: Pause in prayer to thank God for His love. Ask Him to teach you how to love like He loves.

--Tom Palmer--