Reply To: Soteriology (Laity) 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

[Oziie]

A real consciousness of God’s love will completely transform every part of your life (your identity, purpose, and relationship with others). It is different from friendship love, precious as it is and still human, but sacred, immovable, and limitless in strength.
First, God’s love does not waver even when we fall and fail. It states in Lamentations 3:22-23, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” When you truly understand this, you no longer live in fear of rejection and begin to rest in God’s sure grace.
Second, God’s love is initiated by Himself. 1 John 4:10 says that, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” God never waited for you to follow Him or gain His attention; He took the first step, showing mercy. This truth takes pride away and fills your heart with humility and worship.
Third, the love of God is enabling. Romans 5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” That is, His love isn’t just something you receive but something that fills you and enables you to love others even when it is hard.

Friendship love is also distinct in different ways:
Variable or Constant: Friendships can grow or shrink according to circumstances. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times,” but even that is fallible. God’s love alone is constant. Psalm 136 says, “His steadfast love endures forever,” pointing out that it never ends.
Mutual Need or Divine Sufficiency: Love between friends is sometimes founded on mutual need and benefit. God does not need us to be complete; He loves us due to His own sufficiency. Acts 17:25 says, “Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything” This renders His love unconditionally gracious, not transactional.
Natural Affection or Transformational Power: Friendship love is a natural human affection. The love of God does something more, it transforms sinners into saints. Ezekiel 36:26-27 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…” Only the love of God can grant us a new nature.

Lastly, an actual understanding of the love of God creates deep security, ignites sacrificial devotion, and brings about real change from the inside out. Friendship love is fine, but it is as nothing in comparison to God’s unwavering, initiating, and life inducing love that overflows from His heart to all who place their trust in Him.