July 13, 2023: God Is Love

"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8, ESV)

God is love! A thought we take for granted until somehow reminded of the immensity of that statement. God is love, and everything that flows out of Him or comes from Him comes out of His love, for He is love. Love is not God. God is love! Think of all the words you might use to describe God. He is kind, beautiful in holiness, protector, provider, keeper, joyful, steadfast, giver, helper, faithful, and more! Yet all of these things come out of His love!
    
John, the Apostle, understood the love of God. Paul, the Apostle, understood the love of God. Both Paul and John wrote much about the love of God in their letters, encouraging us, the Saints, to abound in His love. Paul said it this way, "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment" (Philippians 1:9, ESV). The word abound means “over-abundant”, “excess”.  

We are to abound in God's love so that everyone who encounters us encounters the overflow of God in us. To Paul, love affects everything Kingdom! Evangelism, pastoral care, missions, marriage, workplace relationships, and relationships with people you often share conflict with. Wherever you encounter people, people are to encounter the love of God in you.  
    
To understand God's love, we must get to know God more. God is love! May you genuinely become over-abundant and excessive in His love. Overflow!