“God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). It is His character. God does not have to try to love. Love is the essence of Who He is. The human problem is that we are not yet like that. God knows this full well. So, in love, He laid down his life for us. That love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). That love comes to abide in us by the Spirit (John 17:26; Romans 5:5). Discipleship is about learning how to love as He loves. If growth in grace could be measured, love would be the measuring stick. Love is what is meant by perfection in the NT (Matthew 5:43-48; Colossians 3:14; I John 4:12-18). Love is the divine likeness. Love is Christlikeness.
Oh Father, forgive us when we aim at a target other than love, for this is what sin is. Our character is not yet fully shaped; we need Your Spirit to show us deeper ways to choose love. Amen!
