The love of God

The love of God is always a worthy subject to examine. God shows His love in different ways, but two immediately come to mind. The first way God shows His love is through the physical blessings we receive. Matthew 5:45 says, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Everyone receives this type of blessing and we should express gratitude for them.

The second type of blessing is spiritual blessings. Ephesians 2:4-7 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Only God’s children who have been obedient to His gospel will receive these blessings.

Unfortunately, many are under the mistaken impression that God will bless them spiritually if they only manifest a love toward Him. This “love” goes no deeper than a warm, emotional attachment. But Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our love for God must be demonstrated by the fact that we love Him enough to obey His gospel (Hebrews 5:9). When we do this, we will be following the example of Jesus (Hebrews 5:8). So if you really want to show your love toward the Lord, do so by repenting of your sins (Acts 17:30), confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (1 Peter 3:21). Come join us to know more about God’s marvelous love and your obligation to it.

Kyle Campbell