Billy Graham once noted that if he had to do it all over again, he would preach more about the love of God. People believe they are not worthy of God’s love and that it must be earned. It is difficult to fathom that God freely loves without condition. It is also difficult to process that God loves everyone. Jesus said that God loved the world (John 3:16) and John affirmed that “God is love” (I John 4:8). Consider these truths about God’s love.
The love of God cannot be measured. A popular hymn of the church in my childhood years was entitled, “The Love of God.” The chorus relayed, “O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure the saints’ and angels’ song.” The love of God is too broad, wide, deep, and high to be measured. Paul wrote, “I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured” (Ephesians 3:19, CEV).
The love of God is for everyone. Everyone. No one is outside the love of God. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16). God loves the whole world – every man, woman and child. He loves those who take His name in vain. He loves those who do not believe His Word. He loves those who violate His commands. The love of the Father sent the Son into a world of sinners. The children’s chorus rings in my head: “Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow, black, and white, they are all precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”
The love of God is unconditional. I have heard it said that He does not love those who reject Him. A rich, young ruler came to Jesus at night, seeking for eternal life. Jesus told him what he must do and the young man was sad and walked away. The text says, “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him…” (Mark 10:21, NKJ). Jesus knew he would walk away. Jesus knew he would reject the message. But Jesus looked at him and loved him. The truth is, you and I have never yet met anyone whom God does not love and for whom Christ did not die. Treat everyone you meet as if they are greatly loved by God, because they are.
The love of God was put on display. The cross of Jesus Christ shouts to the world of the greatness of God’s love. The Bible says, “This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (I John 4:10, NLT). The Scriptures also state, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NLT). You, friend, are greatly loved by God.