And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 (NKJV)
Have you ever had someone say, “I love you,” when they really didn’t know you that well?
If so, you may have thought, “You don’t even know me. How can you say you love me?”
It’s a common reaction. We often assume that others can’t possibly love us until they really know us or we do something to earn that love, and I get it. There’s a certain type of love we share with those who know us best. However, there’s another type of love we can have for people. This love is a gift that you can give, and it stems from realizing that person has incredible worth, just as they are.
The Bible has much to say about this unconditional love. It uses the Greek word agape to describe it. Like we mentioned yesterday, God loves us with this agape love because that’s just who He is. In fact, in 1 John 4:8 it says
“God is love.” He chooses to love because He values us and His love is not based on our performance.
The more you realize how much God loves you, the more you’re empowered to love others unconditionally too. Knowing that you are loved, accepted and forgiven forever because of Jesus fuels you to treat others this way.
You can give others a glimpse of what this unconditional love is like by treating them with the same kindness, compassion and generosity that has been extended to you. And as you do, point them toward the source of that love: Jesus. We don’t want anyone to miss out on an eternity with their loving Father!