The Realistic, True Love Of God Part 1

We have heard countless times that God loves us. It's a phrase we see on signs, hear in sermons, and repeat often. But the real question is this: do we truly  understand the depth of the love He has for us?

To begin answering that, we first need to ask a foundational question-what is love?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, love is defined as "an intense feeling of deep affection." While this definition captures emotion, it only scratches the surface. The Bible takes love far beyond feelings and places it firmly in action. Biblical love is best revealed through sacrifice. The Bible Dictionary describes love through Christ's sacrificial death, calling it the supreme expression of love. Jesus Himself explains it clearly in John 15:13 (KJV):

" Greater love hath no man this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

This verse reshapes how we understand love. God's love is not passive or conditional-it is intentional, costly, and self-giving. It is a love that chose the cross.

God's love for us is an intense and sacrificial affection. He does not merely call us servants; He calls us friends-and even more deeply, sons and daughters. His love is personal. It meets us in our brokenness, restores our identity, and calls us into relationship, not shame.

True and realistic love-the kind that remains, redeems, and transforms- can only be found in God. Everything else is a reflection, but He is the source.