"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1John 3:1).
There is a great deal said in religious circles about the love of God, but few have a real scriptural concept of the truth of God's love as it is manifested in the scriptures. The general idea most people have is, "that God loves everybody without exception and is trying his best to save everybody, but the sinner will not cooperate." The truth of God's character revealed in the word is that God is Holy, Just and His love is always in harmony with His Holy character as a Just God and a Saviour (Isa. 45:21). Those for whom He loves in Christ (Rev.1:5), elected in Christ (John 6:37), redeemed in Christ (Eph.1:7) must be justified in Christ (Rom. 8:28-30) and will be called out of bondage into Light (Col. 1:12-13). Here are some scriptures that describe this true love of God to His covenant people.
2). The love of God is sovereign and given to whom the Lord pleases (Rom.9:12-16; Eph, 5:25). Outside of Christ, God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29).
3). The love of God is eternal and will never be discontinued (Jer. 31:3). God Himself is eternal, therefore His great love must be eternal (Eph. 2:4).
4). The love of God is sacrificial love and will redeem all His people from all their sins (1John 4:10; 3:16; Eph.5:2,25; Matt.1:21; John 10:15). 5). The love of God is permanent love and will always abide in the believer (John 13:1; Mal.3:6; Heb. 13:8).
6). The love of God is electing love that unconditionally chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (2Thes. 2:13; John 15:15-16;17:2).
7). The love of God is unmerited love, we have never done anything to deserve His favor or mercy (Titus 3:3-7; Rom 5:6-9). The only reason for His love to us is found in Himself, not in us (Deut.7:7-8).
8). The love of God is constraining love and motivates everyone who believes the gospel, to obedience to Him as a willing, loving bond slave of Christ (2Cor. 5:14; Psa. 65:4; 110:3).
9). The love of God is Holy love, God in Christ is both a Just God and Saviour (Isa. 45:20-22). His love is regulated by His holy character (Rom. 5:21).
The more we meditate upon His great love to us, its character, its fullness, its blessedness; the more our hearts will be drawn out in love to Him. "We love Him because He first loved us" (1John 4:19; 3:16).