Introduction
Memory Text: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him’ ” (John 14:23, NKJV).
The Greek
term agape refers not only to God’s
love but also to human love, even sometimes misdirected human love (2 Tim. 4:
10). Other terms for example, phileo
refer to God’s love for humans. Scripture also teaches that God’s love is not
unilateral but relational, in that it makes a profound difference to God whether
or not humans reflect His love back to Him.
What does the Bible record about the love of God towards us?
God’s love for us is an everlasting love, every person is
loved by God. He also wants everyone to be saved, as well.
What is the nature of God’s covenantal love?
hesed is
translated “lovingkindness” or “mercy” in Deuteronomy 7:9. God’s hesed shows that His lovingkindness is
extremely reliable, steadfast, and enduring. Yet, at the same time, the
reception of the benefits of hesed is
conditional, dependent upon the willingness of His people to obey and to
maintain their end of the relationship.
What is the basis of all love relationships?
God’s steadfast love is the basis of all love relationships,
and we could never match that love. God not only freely gave us existence but
also in Christ He gave Himself for us.
What does the benefits of a saving relationship with God depend on?
John 14:21 and John 16:27 among other texts teach that
maintaining the benefits of a saving relationship with God depends upon whether
we will accept God’s love (which involves willingness to be vehicles of that
love, as well). God’s love never ceases.
What can we do in order not to forfeit God’s mercies?
By loving God in response, by loving the people we see
around us, by keeping God’s commandments, we are showing that we love God, we are
avoiding forfeiting the mercies of God. We should not be like the unforgiving
servant who did not forgive his fellow servant even when he had been forgiven a
far greater debt. God forgives us, we are to forgive others.
What is expected of us in response to God’s infinite love toward us?
We have been forgiven an infinite debt because of God’s
infinite love. Jesus commands us to love God and to love one another. If to
love God entails that we love one other, we should with urgency share the
message of God’s love, both in word and deed. We should help people in their
daily lives, we should be conduits of God’s love and point people to the One Who
can give eternal life.
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