GOD’S GREAT LOVE

John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Love can be defined as the display of genuine concern for the good of others. Love is demonstrated with unselfish acts, such as kindness, compassion, caring and thoughtfulness.

Our text for today speaks of 'greater love', which is the description of the enormity, the magnitude, the vastness of God's selfless love for humanity.  The 'greater love' is purely spiritual and unconditional. Jesus' love transcends human love. He loves in spite of who we are, or what we have done, or what we will do.

The parallel text is John 3:16 ( For God so loved the world.....). In addition, the hymn, 'O love of God' gives us a detailed description of God's love.  It states that God's love is strong and true; it is eternal and yet ever new; it is changeless and infinite; is uncomprehended and unbought. It is far deeper than man's deepest hate. As mere mortals,  our minds are too small, too finite to  grasp the extent of Infinite God's love; yet we have the God-given mental capacity to appreciate and respond to His love.

Jesus vividly demonstrated His sacrifical love for us, His friends, when He laid down His life at Calvary. It is noteworthy that the verse describes us as friends. Friendship is one of the greatest gifts of life. A friend remains loyal and helpful through the good times and the bad. The Bible tells us that 'a friend sticks closer than a brother' (Proverbs 18:24) and 'a friend loves at all times' (Proverbs 17:17). Indisputably, we are Jesus' friends. He is always loyal and loving towards us, and He is more faithful to us than anyone else can be.

When we consider God's love and friendship for us, our only reaction is to adore Him; love Him and serve Him all the days of our lives.