The Endless Love of God: How it Transforms Our Lives

Valentine’s Day is a day filled to the brim with candy hearts, love notes, chocolates, roses, restaurant reservations, and many other ways to celebrate the commercialized holiday. While some may spend it celebrating with their significant others or family members, we cannot ignore those who may not be feeling the love. They may have lost a spouse or loved one, they may be single and waiting to find their person, or they may choose not to partake in the holiday. No matter what circumstance you may find yourself in, there is a beautiful love that is given freely to us, God’s love.

God’s love is: FAITHFUL

We serve a God that always comes through for His people. He created an incredible and reliable relationship with us due to His covenantal promises we see throughout scripture. We see it through all creation and Noah (Genesis 6:18), the Abrahamic covenant(s) (Genesis 12:1-3; 15; 22), the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:4-6; 20:2), the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 2 Chronicles 17) and the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31, Isaiah 56:3)¹. God's faithful love is a constant and unwavering love that never fails. It is a love that endures through all circumstances and remains steadfast even when we are unfaithful. It is a love that is beyond our understanding and yet accessible to us through faith. When we experience God's faithful love, we are filled with a sense of security, hope, and peace that can sustain us through life's challenges and trials.

God’s love is: MERCIFUL

God's merciful love is a divine attribute. It is unconditional and freely given to all, regardless of your past actions or current circumstances. It is merciful because it forgives and shows compassion for those who have sinned or fallen short of expectations. We can find comfort in God's mercy being all-encompassing and infinite. This means that no matter how great a person's sins may be, they can always be forgiven if they turn to God and repent sincerely.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved— Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

God’s love is: UNFAILING

In the Bible, the book of Psalms states, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever" (Psalm 136:1). This verse, along with others like it, emphasizes the unchanging and enduring nature of God's love. Another well-known scripture that speaks of God's unfailing love is found in the book of Lamentations, which says, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). This verse speaks of God's mercy and compassion, which are said to be renewed each day, offering new opportunities for forgiveness and redemption.

In the New Testament, the Gospel of John states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This verse speaks of the sacrificial nature of God's love, which is said to have been demonstrated through the gift of Jesus Christ. God's love is a powerful force that can transform our lives and bring us hope, peace, and joy. It is a love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out. Despite our flaws, mistakes, and shortcomings, God continues to love us unconditionally and invites us to experience His unfailing love.

God’s love is: AGAPE

Original Greek: ἀγάπη (agápē)
Agape is often defined as unconditional, sacrificial love. Agape is the kind of love that is felt by a person willing to do anything for another, including sacrificing themselves, without expecting anything in return². Agape love goes beyond the love typically associated with romantic relationships or friendships, as it is a love that is shown even to those who may not deserve it or may be difficult to love. It is often described as a divine love, representing the perfect love that God has for humanity. Agape love is not based on emotions or preferences but on a deliberate choice to love others as God loves us. As Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).  Agape love is important because it reflects God's nature and character. It is the kind of love that can bring healing, reconciliation, and transformation to our relationships and communities. When we practice agape love, we can forgive, serve, and sacrifice for others. Our love becomes a witness to the world of God's love and grace. Agape love is not easy, but it is essential for us to grow in our faith and to live a life that honors God.

God's love is the foundation we can rely on. It is through His love that we are saved, forgiven, and given eternal life. When you can recognize and embrace God's love, you can experience a deep sense of peace, joy, and purpose in life. God's love also calls us to love others, to show compassion, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. When we make God's love the center of our lives, we are transformed and empowered to love and serve others, to make a positive difference in the world, and to live a fulfilling life that glorifies God.

References

¹Williamson, Paul R. n.d. “The Biblical Covenants.” The Gospel Coalition.

²“8 Greek Words for Love That Will Make Your Heart Soar.” 2022. Dictionary.com.

About the Author

Katie Thrush is an active member in Women’s Groups, Women’s Leadership Board, Worship Arts, and Community Engagement at Grace Fishers. Katie also is a proud wife to David Thrush and has two little girls, Aria and Emery Thrush. She enjoys writing, gardening, baking, working out, and reading in her free time. Katie is an alumnus of Taylor University with a bachelor's in Christian Education with a minor in Biblical Literature. She also is currently in seminary at Grace Theological Seminary (Winona Lake, IN) pursuing her Master of Arts in Ministry Studies and is the author of All is Not Well: A 14 Day Devotional Examining the Season of Waiting.