When the Bible says “God is love” in 1 John 4:8, how does that help us humans who experience crushing blows in the course of experiencing love with other humans? I’ll never forget a young lady in my office who was sobbing her heart out as she told me, “I’ve been crushed by love.” She had anticipated something so beautiful and wonderful, but it had turned dark, ugly and wretchedly disappointing.
Who among us has not been where she was?
It seems the more we’re crushed, the more we go back and try the same exact thing again. Why? Because we have hope that true love really does exist. We have hope that it will be different next time. Because we were created in the image of God, who IS love, our undying hope in love is a critical and vital part of who we were created to be.
The cycle of being crushed will only be broken when we find our greatest love in God, Who IS love.
That man is NOT love.
That woman is NOT love.
That child is NOT love.
That bestie is NOT love.
ONLY GOD—IS LOVE
The only way any person IS love, is if they are full of GOD—Who IS LOVE!
We live in a culture where “love” is defined superficially—that is, as a feeling or an expectation. However, in our fallen world, love will only survive, if it is much deeper, wider, broader and higher—than a feeling. Christ’s love for us—cost Him everything. Wouldn’t you like to be in a relationship with someone who would lay down their life for you? Well you CAN have this relationship through the GIFT OF SALVATION.
Then…you are enabled to experience the love of Christ. When His love dwells within you, you are “rooted and grounded in love” that surpasses knowledge of the human experience of love—in fact, it reaches heights, lengths, depths and widths that you never imagined. (Ephesians 3:17-19) Indeed, when we have God’s love, we are not a stagnant pond, but rather, a rushing, mighty river which cannot be damned.
Love is the proof that we know God.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
1 John 4:7-8
To love God’s way is to give someone the love that God gives you, rather than—to expect to receive your need for love to be satisfied from them.
To seek love—without God—is like stealing bread from a beggar.
The more time we commit our soul, mind, and body to God—because we love Him—the more completely satisfied and secure we become in His love; AND the less we have needs or expectations from others. God’s love fills our love-cup to overflowing! There is no greater human love-relationship than with another person who loves God. Whether it be a parent, child, spouse, or best friend, no greater love between two imperfect humans exists than when it is bonded by the love of God.
My dear friend, if “love” has sorely disappointed you, seek God with as much passion as you sought love from the one who shattered your heart. You will never be disappointed by God’s love!
To learn more about Kimberly Faith and the mission of Faith Strong, click HERE.
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