LOVE “ALWAYS” GIVES

Many a man has attempted to define and describe love. Such is the scope and the depth of love that, human definitions, though may not be wrong, but cannot define it, in all its grandeur, and in all its glory. Let us continue our meditation of John 3:16, and see, what we can learn about love.
– “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

Let us look at the words, “…that he gave his only begotten Son…” for our meditation this morning. Love, as we understand from the Word of God, is compelled to give, if it is truly love, and not a mere transactional relationship. This “giving” in love, is given, without expecting anything in return, and such a giving, certainly involves, sacrifice. This is what one gets to see in the love that, God has for the world. This is what love ought to be.

The first epistle of John, chapter three, and verses seventeen following, helps us see, what love, truly is.
– “16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:17-18

Berean Study Bible Notes, observing the love of God, comments the following, which is worth a read.
– “This act of giving is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 9:6, which foretells the birth of a son who will be called “Mighty God.” The sacrificial nature of this gift is foreshadowed in the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22), where God provides a ram as a substitute, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

Love, which the Bible talks about, not only involves GIVING and SACRIFICE, but also, such a love is EXPENSIVE. Love that doesn’t cost the giver, is cheap and inexpensive love, which may not be of much worth at all. Love demands from the one who wants to love, to give that which is precious and priceless to them, personally. We see these three points converging in God’s love towards the fallen man, when He gave us, Jesus, our Redeemer.

May the love of God, that involved giving, sacrifice and paying the ultimate and unfathomable cost, prompt us to love others the same way. It is no easy walk. We may falter, fall down, and fail many times over. Let us not get discouraged, over our failures to love, like our LORD. Let us seek Him, for grace and help, so that, we would truly love others, just like how He loved us. Even so the LORD help us.