A Bible study on the Love of God

It is not uncommon when witnessing to those who do not yet know Jesus for them to reply, "God is love." They may follow up with, "I do not believe He would send anyone to hell. My God is better than that."

Many, in these last days, have an inaccurate impression of Who God is and what He is like. Often, their impression is not based on knowledge from the Gospel, but is made up of things they hear and wish to believe. The Bible tells us, MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE-Hos 4:6.

Others may feel that God is all mercy. They do not seem to know the verse, MERCY REJOICETH AGAINST JUDGMENT-Ja 2:13. God is a righteous God. God is a holy God. God hates sin. Because of God’s righteousness, all sin must be paid for. All rebellion (which is sin) must be paid for. Because of sin, man is under the sentence of death: the eternal lake of fire prepared for Satan and his angels. When you die (without Christ), you immediately go to hell, which is the waiting place for the final judgment (the great white throne judgment). If you have not received Jesus and His atoning blood, then you will have to pay the price for your sins—which is eternal torment. Because of God’s wonderful love, He gave us a way of escape. Remember, all sin must be paid for. This is God’s perfect justice. Every time you do anything, from smoking a cigarette to gossiping about others, when you know it is wrong, it is sin. Every form of rebellion is sin. Therefore, TO HIM THAT KNOWETH TO DO GOOD, AND DOETH IT NOT, TO HIM IT IS SIN-Ja 4:17.

Because sin brings the sentence of death, a way needed to be found for man to be forgiven. Sin separates us from fellowship with God. God’s love toward us became manifested through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus Christ to pay the sentence of death for us. Jesus was born of a virgin. He died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. Jesus Christ, Who is from everlasting to everlasting, paid the supreme price. He gave His life for all who would believe. Jesus paid the sentence of death for us. The only begotten Son of God, Himself, hung on the cross for you. Because of God's righteousness, a price had to be paid for your sins.

Now, to be forgiven of your sins by God, you need to believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and that He died on the cross for you. You are to believe on the name of Jesus, and receive Him as your personal Saviour by faith. You are to repent of all your sins and renounce them. You should be sorry for your sins with godly sorrow. Be willing to give up all intentional sin in your life and do an about-face. You need to give up living for the flesh and living for this world, and begin living for the next world. You begin living according to the Spirit, which enables you to overcome the lusts and pleasures of this world. Begin to obey all of God’s Word. Once you have made the decision to commit your life to Jesus, by faith, you need to follow in baptism by immersion. It is written, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE-Acts 2:38. From this point on, you begin to grow in obedience to the Gospel. Jesus BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM-Heb 5:9.

This is what the "love of God" is: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE-Jn 3:16. God’s wrath abideth on everyone that rejects (or does not believe the words of) Jesus as their Saviour-ref Jn 3:36.

Those that reject this love and the blood of Jesus are partaking of Satan. It was Satan and his followers (as all of us once were) that crucified God’s only begotten Son. WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?-Ex 32:26. HE THAT IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME-Mt 12:30.

You are either on God’s side, by receiving Jesus as your Saviour, or you are on the side of Satan. There is no in-between. If you are not on God's side, then you are on Satan’s side. Satan and his angels rebelled against God. You are also in rebellion against God, if you have not surrendered your life totally to Jesus. If you have not given up all willful sin, you are in rebellion to God. You will be with Satan and his angels in the eternal lake of fire, as you also are a partaker of those who crucified Jesus. You may say, "I didn’t crucify Jesus." If you drive a get-away car for a robbery, you partake of the robbery. If you have not committed your life to Jesus, then you are on the same side as those who killed God’s only begotten Son. Hell awaits you, if you do not repent. There is no love or mercy in hell.

The Scriptures tell us, God is love. They clearly show how God's love is extended to us through Jesus Christ. However, there is also a second part of the picture, that is, our love for God. Do we love God? The Bible teaches that if we do not love God, we will not make heaven our home. Over and over God’s Word tells us, IF YOU LOVE ME, then we are to do certain things. It is by our love that others know we are Jesus’ disciples-ref Jn 13:35. The Bible tells us that we shall know them by their fruits-ref Mt 7:20. If a person is truly "born-again," you will know by his love. God’s love "in us" is not something that is artificial. It is a beautiful love that others can sense. There are very few that have this love. There are also very few people that are truly saved. For MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN-Mt 22:14.

It is interesting that many people who are not saved seem to believe they are. Those that really are saved often seem to have doubts. We note that the word "love" appears in the Bible about 354 times. The word "fear" appears in the Bible about 396 times. We are not to fear man. We are not to fear anything that happens to us on this earth. We are to fear God. He is greatly to be feared, as Jesus said, FEAR HIM, WHICH AFTER HE HATH KILLED HATH POWER TO CAST INTO HELL; YEA, I SAY UNTO YOU, FEAR HIM-Lk 12:5.

Commit your life to Jesus and obey His commandments: then you will understand the loving-kindness of the Lord. WHOSO IS WISE, AND WILL OBSERVE THESE THINGS, EVEN THEY SHALL UNDERSTAND THE LOVING-KINDNESS OF THE LORD-Ps 107:43. HE THAT LOVETH NOT KNOWETH NOT GOD; FOR GOD IS LOVE-1 Jn 4:8. It is interesting that many people who use the words, "God is love," fail to quote the first part of the Scripture, HE THAT LOVETH NOT KNOWETH NOT GOD.

The Bible tells us, HEREIN IS OUR LOVE MADE PERFECT, THAT WE MAY HAVE BOLDNESS IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT: BECAUSE AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE; BUT PERFECT LOVE CASTETH OUT FEAR. Are you afraid to witness? Are you afraid to follow Jesus? We are not to fear, BECAUSE FEAR HATH TORMENT. HE THAT FEARETH IS NOT MADE PERFECT IN LOVE. A person, by faith, needs to trust completely in Jesus Christ. We are made perfect through Jesus Christ, as God refines us. We are not to fear what men may do to us, but we are to fear God. God is greatly to be feared. Because God's love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us (if we are born-again), we can trust in God for all things. We no longer need to fear what man can do to us. It is written, WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US-1 Jn 4:17-19.

It has been said that if you want to know who the true Christians are, stand on the street corner and begin to praise Jesus. Most will take a wide step around you. A very few will walk up to you and praise God. If the love of God is in your heart, the most important thing in your life should be saving souls and ministering to other born-again Christians.

It is written, IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND HATETH HIS BROTHER, HE IS A LIAR: FOR HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER WHOM HE HATH SEEN, HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD WHOM HE HATH NOT SEEN?-1 Jn 4:20. Do you hate a brother in Christ? Does it irritate you when someone witnesses to you about Jesus? If the love of God is truly in your heart, wouldn't you love every brother who is preaching the Gospel? Listen to the words of Jesus: FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL DO THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN, THE SAME IS MY BROTHER, AND SISTER, AND MOTHER-Mt 12:50.

The Lord wants us to BE PERFECT, BE OF GOOD COMFORT, BE OF ONE MIND, LIVE IN PEACE; AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU-2 Cor 13:11. Is God’s love and peace with you? Do you refuse to receive the love of the truth? AND WITH ALL DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN THEM THAT PERISH; BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED-2 Thes 2:10. Do not reject the love of the truth. Do not reject God's love. Is this not telling us that they perish, because they would not allow Jesus (the love of the truth) to become the Lord of their life? AND THIS IS LOVE, THAT WE WALK AFTER HIS COMMANDMENTS-2 Jn 6. Walk after God's commandments. This is love.

It is wonderful to know that Jesus tells us, AS THE FATHER HATH LOVED ME, SO HAVE I LOVED YOU: CONTINUE YE IN MY LOVE. IF YE KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YE SHALL ABIDE IN MY LOVE; EVEN AS I HAVE KEPT MY FATHER’S COMMANDMENTS, AND ABIDE IN HIS LOVE-Jn 15:9.10. However, in this is a warning: IF YE KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS (then), YE SHALL ABIDE IN MY LOVE. It seems apparent that, if we do not keep His commandments, we will not abide in His love. If we do not abide in His love, how can we be saved? If we disobey His commandments, how can we be saved? Thus, the Bible tells us to repent.

For this is THE LOVE OF GOD, THAT WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: AND HIS COMMANDMENTS ARE NOT GRIEVOUS-1 Jn 5:3.

    As we yield to the Word of God, it produces THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (which) IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG-SUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE: AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW-Gal 5:22,23.
    BUT GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US-Ro 5:8.
    GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS-Jn 15:13.
    BUT I KNOW YOU, THAT YE HAVE NOT THE LOVE OF GOD IN YOU-Jn 5:42.
    BECAUSE THOU HAST LEFT THY FIRST LOVE (which is Jesus Christ). REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ART FALLEN, AND REPENT, AND DO THE FIRST WORKS; OR ELSE I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK OUT OF HIS PLACE, EXCEPT THOU REPENT-Rev 2:4,5.

The Bible tells us, GOD HATH NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; BUT OF POWER, AND OF LOVE, AND OF A SOUND MIND-2 Tim 1:7.
THE LOVE OF GOD IS SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY GHOST WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO US-Ro 5:5. If we are "born-again," God has given us of His Spirit. The love of God is in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The love that flows out of a true Christian is real. Many that profess Christ are not true Christians at all. By their love you shall know them.

How does this love grow in us? Paul says, THIS I PRAY, THAT YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND YET MORE AND MORE IN KNOWLEDGE AND IN ALL JUDGMENT (your love may abound in knowledge)-Phili 1:9.
BUT WHOSO KEEPETH HIS WORD, IN HIM VERILY IS THE LOVE OF GOD PERFECTED: HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE ARE IN HIM-1 Jn 2:5. Note: keepeth His Word, the love of God perfected.

It is written, I LOVE THEM THAT LOVE ME; AND THOSE THAT SEEK ME EARLY SHALL FIND ME-Pv 8:17. FOR THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVETH YOU, BECAUSE YE HAVE LOVED ME, AND HAVE BELIEVED THAT I CAME OUT FROM GOD-Jn 16:27. God loves those that love Him, but His wrath will abide on those that are disobedient.

James tells us, BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT ENDURETH TEMPTATION: FOR WHEN HE IS TRIED, HE SHALL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE, WHICH THE LORD HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM-Ja 1:12.

    Jesus said, IF YE LOVE ME KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS-Jn 14:15.
    HE THAT HATH MY COMMANDMENTS, AND KEEPETH THEM, HE IT IS THAT LOVETH ME: AND HE THAT LOVETH ME SHALL BE LOVED OF MY FATHER, AND I WILL LOVE HIM, AND WILL MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM-Jn 14:21.
    John, the apostle, who leaned on Jesus’ breast, writes, BY THIS WE KNOW THAT WE LOVE THE CHILDREN OF GOD, WHEN WE LOVE GOD, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. FOR THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, THAT WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: AND HIS COMMANDMENTS ARE NOT GRIEVOUS-1 Jn 5:2,3.
    It is also written in the Law of Moses, FOR IF YE SHALL DILIGENTLY KEEP ALL THESE COMMANDMENTS WHICH I COMMAND YOU, TO DO THEM,
    TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD,
    TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS,
    AND TO CLEAVE UNTO HIM;
    THEN WILL THE LORD DRIVE OUT ALL THESE NATIONS FROM BEFORE YOU-Deut 11:22,23.

    IF THOU SHALT KEEP ALL THESE COMMANDMENTS
   TO DO THEM, WHICH I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY,
    TO LOVE THE LORD THY GOD,
    AND TO WALK EVER IN HIS WAYS;
    THEN SHALT THOU ADD THREE CITIES MORE FOR THEE-Deut 19:9.

    WHEREFORE IT SHALL COME TO PASS, IF YE
    HEARKEN TO THESE JUDGMENTS,
    AND KEEP, AND DO THEM,
    THAT THE LORD THY GOD SHALL KEEP UNTO THEE THE COVENANT AND THE MERCY WHICH HE SWARE UNTO THY FATHERS: AND HE WILL LOVE THEE, AND BLESS THEE, AND MULTIPLY THEE-Deut 7:12,13.

    AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, IF YE SHALL HEARKEN DILIGENTLY UNTO MY COMMANDMENTS WHICH I COMMAND YOU THIS DAY,
    TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD,
    AND TO SERVE HIM
    WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL-Deut 11:13. God frequently connects the words love and keep My commandments. The message is clear. If you do not love God enough to obey what He says, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. God's commandments were given to us, so that we would know what sin is. When we receive Jesus as Saviour, we "repent" of sin; we promise to follow and obey God's commandments. If we do not keep this promise to God, how can we expect to be with Him for eternity? Can we call on the name of the Lord in falsehood and expect Him to save us? May the reader note that, indeed, we all fall short of obeying all of God’s commandments. Therefore, it is written, in 1 Jn 1:9-IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AND TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. This in itself is a command of God that we are to follow, when we do sin.

Love God and obey His commandments. Do not choose to spend eternity in the lake of fire.

    The Lord is described in the Ten Commandments as SHOWING MERCY UNTO THOUSANDS OF THEM THAT LOVE ME AND KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS-Deut 5:10. Again, we see the words, "Love Me and keep My commandments."
    KNOW THEREFORE THAT THE LORD THY GOD, HE IS GOD, THE FAITHFUL GOD, WHICH KEEPETH COVENANT AND MERCY WITH THEM THAT LOVE HIM AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS TO A THOUSAND GENERATIONS-Deut 7:9.
    I BESEECH THEE, O LORD GOD OF HEAVEN, THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE GOD, THAT KEEPETH COVENANT AND MERCY FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM AND OBSERVE HIS COMMANDMENTS-Neh 1:5; (ref Dan 9:4).

David said unto the Lord, BE MERCIFUL UNTO ME, AS THOU USEST TO DO UNTO THOSE THAT LOVE THY NAME-Ps 119:132.
THE LORD PRESERVETH ALL THEM THAT LOVE HIM: BUT ALL THE WICKED WILL HE DESTROY-Ps 145:20. Both the Old and New Testament convey the same message, love God and obey His commandments.

Jesus tells us, IF A MAN LOVE ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORDS: AND MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, AND WE WILL COME UNTO HIM, AND MAKE OUR ABODE WITH HIM-Jn 14:23. Note the word "if" a man love Me.

    It is written, AND THE LORD THY GOD WILL CIRCUMCISE THINE HEART, AND THE HEART OF THY SEED, TO LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THINE HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, THAT THOU MAYEST LIVE-Deut 30:6. You are to love the Lord with all your heart, that you may live. If you do not, you may perish from the way. To love God is to obey His commandments.
    I CALL HEAVEN AND EARTH TO RECORD THIS DAY AGAINST YOU, THAT I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH, BLESSING AND CURSING: THEREFORE CHOOSE LIFE, THAT BOTH THOU AND THY SEED MAY LIVE: THAT THOU MAYEST LOVE THE LORD THY GOD, AND THAT THOU MAYEST OBEY HIS VOICE,
    AND THAT THOU MAYEST CLEAVE UNTO HIM: FOR HE IS THY LIFE-Deut 30:19,20.

HENCEFORTH THERE IS LAID UP FOR ME A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHICH THE LORD, THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, SHALL GIVE ME AT THAT DAY: AND NOT TO ME ONLY, BUT UNTO ALL THEM ALSO THAT LOVE HIS APPEARING-2 Tim 4:8.
BUT AS IT IS WRITTEN, EYE HATH NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NEITHER HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN, THE THINGS WHICH GOD HATH PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM-1 Cor 2:9. Repeatedly, we see the words, "love God." Can you truly love God, yet do your own will? If you love God, you will obey what He says.

5-LOVE IN DEED:
PROVE YOUR LOVE, GOD CHASTENS IN LOVE,
LOVE THE LORD AND FEAR HIM

    MY LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD, NEITHER IN TONGUE; BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH-1 Jn 3:18.
    I SPEAK NOT BY COMMANDMENT, BUT BY OCCASION OF THE FORWARDNESS OF OTHERS, AND TO PROVE THE SINCERITY OF YOUR LOVE-2 Cor 8:8.
    THE LORD YOUR GOD PROVETH YOU, TO KNOW WHETHER YE LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL.
    YE SHALL WALK AFTER THE LORD YOUR GOD,
   AND FEAR HIM,
   AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS,
   AND OBEY HIS VOICE,
   AND YE SHALL SERVE HIM,
   AND CLEAVE UNTO HIM-Deut 13:3,4.

Let’s review what was just said. THE LORD YOUR GOD PROVETH YOU, TO KNOW WHETHER:
1. YE LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL.
Now the verse commands:
2. YE SHALL WALK AFTER THE LORD YOUR GOD 3) AND FEAR HIM
4. AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS
5. AND OBEY HIS VOICE
6. AND YE SHALL SERVE HIM
7. AND CLEAVE UNTO HIM

    Regarding chastening, the Bible tells us, FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH, AND SCOURGETH EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVETH-Heb 12:6.
    FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CORRECTETH; EVEN AS A FATHER THE SON IN WHOM HE DELIGHTETH-Pv 3:12.
    AS MANY AS I LOVE, I REBUKE AND CHASTEN: BE ZEALOUS THEREFORE, AND REPENT-Rev 3:19.

    WHAT DOTH THE LORD THY GOD REQUIRE OF THEE,
    BUT TO FEAR THE LORD THY GOD,
    TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS,
    AND TO LOVE HIM, AND
    TO SERVE THE LORD THY GOD
    WITH ALL THY HEART AND WITH ALL THY SOUL,
    TO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD,
    AND HIS STATUTES, WHICH I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY FOR THY GOOD?-Deut 10:12,13.
    HONOUR ALL MEN.
    LOVE THE BROTHERHOOD.
    FEAR GOD.
    HONOUR THE KING-1 Pe 2:17.

    God demonstrates His great kindness toward us, as we read, IN HIS LOVE AND IN HIS PITY HE REDEEMED THEM-Isa 63:9.
    THOU HAST IN LOVE TO MY SOUL DELIVERED IT FROM THE PIT OF CORRUPTION: FOR THOU HAST CAST ALL MY SINS BEHIND THY BACK-Isa 38:17.
    HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES, EVEN AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT-Eph 5:25.

    His great love was demonstrated when GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE-Jn 3:16.
    Paul writes, I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST: NEVERTHELESS I LIVE; YET NOT I, BUT CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: AND THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME-Gal 2:20.
    BEHOLD, WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE FATHER HATH BESTOWED UPON US, THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD-1 Jn 3:1.
    UNTO HIM THAT LOVED US, AND WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD-Rev 1:5.

Indeed, what manner of love has the Father bestowed upon us? It is a love which passes all understanding. God Almighty sent His only begotten Son to suffer on the cross, so we might be reestablished in fellowship with Him. And what does God ask of us? He asks us to be obedient. Then, when we finally go to be with Jesus, there are eternal rewards. God gives so much. He asks of us to, by faith (or trust), obey the Scriptures and love Me. Indeed, what a mighty and compassionate God we do have. He chastens us, refines us, molds us, helps us, loves us, and gives to us in abundance. When we sin, He forgives us. When we cry, He comforts us. When we have no where to turn, He is there to help. When we fall apart, He picks us up and mends us. When we are hungry, He feeds us. When we are lonely, He is our Friend. BEHOLD, WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE FATHER HATH BESTOWED UPON US-1 Jn 3:1.

Paul said, FOR I AM PERSUADED, THAT NEITHER DEATH, NOR LIFE, NOR ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME, NOR HEIGHT, NOR DEPTH, NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD-Ro 8:38,39.

The Lord DIRECT YOUR HEARTS INTO THE LOVE OF GOD, AND INTO THE PATIENT WAITING FOR CHRIST-2 Thes 3:5.

LET ALL THOSE THAT SEEK THEE REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN THEE: AND LET SUCH AS LOVE THY SALVATION SAY CONTINUALLY, LET GOD BE MAGNIFIED-Ps 70:4.

It is written, ACCORDING AS HE HATH CHOSEN US IN HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, THAT WE SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLAME BEFORE HIM IN LOVE-Eph 1:4.

    AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THINE HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIGHT-Deut 6:5.
    TAKE GOOD HEED THEREFORE UNTO YOURSELVES, THAT YE LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD-Jos 23:11.
    THEREFORE THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD, AND KEEP HIS CHARGE, AND HIS STATUTES, AND HIS JUDGMENTS, AND HIS COMMANDMENTS, ALWAYS-Deut 11:1.
    I COMMAND YOU THIS DAY, TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND TO SERVE HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL-Deut 11:13.
    BUT TAKE DILIGENT HEED TO DO THE COMMANDMENT AND THE LAW, WHICH MOSES THE SERVANT OF THE LORD CHARGED YOU,
    TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD,
    AND TO WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS,
    AND TO KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS,
    AND TO CLEAVE UNTO HIM,
    AND TO SERVE HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL-Jos 22:5.

The Bible tells us, O LOVE THE LORD, ALL YE HIS SAINTS: FOR THE LORD PRESERVETH THE FAITHFUL, AND PLENTIFULLY REWARDETH THE PROUD DOER-Ps 31:23.
JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND. THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT-Mt 22:37,38 (ref Mk 12:30,31; Lk 10:37,38).

LET ALL THOSE THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN THEE REJOICE: LET THEM EVER SHOUT FOR JOY, BECAUSE THOU DEFENDEST THEM: LET THEM ALSO THAT LOVE THY NAME BE JOYFUL IN THEE-Ps 5:11.

If we truly love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we will want to serve Him. We will want to please Him. We are under commandment to "love the Lord," yet few people do, as evidenced by their actions. Suggest serving the Lord and you can feel the tension; the excuses begin. When you love someone, you obey them. We are nothing, except by His grace. We owe Him everything. He owes us nothing. He gave His life for us, so that we might have abundant eternal life. Now He says to us, "Obey Me, serve Me, love Me."
If God’s Spirit is in us, would we not rejoice? If another spirit is in us, perhaps, we would rebel.

    A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE UNTO YOU, THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, THAT YE ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER-Jn 13:34,35.
    THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT, THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER-Jn 15:12.
    THESE THINGS I COMMAND YOU, THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER-Jn 15:17.
    BE KINDLY AFFECTIONED ONE TO ANOTHER WITH BROTHERLY LOVE; IN HONOR PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER-Ro 12:10.
    OWE NO MAN ANY THING, BUT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER: FOR HE THAT LOVETH ANOTHER HATH FULFILLED THE LAW-Ro 13:8.
    WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER-2 Jn 5.

The Bible tells us in 1 Jn 3:11, THAT WE SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 1 Jn 3:23-LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AS HE GAVE US COMMANDMENT. 1 Jn 4:7-LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER: FOR LOVE IS OF GOD; AND EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD, AND KNOWETH GOD. 1 Jn 3:14-WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE, BECAUSE WE LOVE THE BRETHREN. HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER ABIDETH IN DEATH. 1 Jn 3:16-HEREBY PERCEIVE WE THE LOVE OF GOD, BECAUSE HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US: AND WE OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN.

It is written, 1 Jn 5:2-BY THIS WE KNOW THAT WE LOVE THE CHILDREN OF GOD, WHEN WE LOVE GOD, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. 1 Pe 1:22-SEE THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY. 1 Thes 4:9-BUT AS TOUCHING BROTHERLY LOVE YE NEED NOT THAT I WRITE UNTO YOU: FOR YE YOURSELVES ARE TAUGHT OF GOD TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Phile 5-HEARING OF THY LOVE AND FAITH, WHICH THOU HAST TOWARD THE LORD JESUS, AND TOWARD ALL SAINTS.

The book of John tells us, WHEN THEY HAD DINED, JESUS SAITH TO SIMON PETER, SIMON, SON OF JONAS, LOVEST THOU ME MORE THAN THESE? HE SAITH UNTO HIM, YEA, LORD; THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE. HE SAITH UNTO HIM, FEED MY LAMBS.

HE SAITH UNTO HIM AGAIN THE SECOND TIME, SIMON, SON OF JONAS, LOVEST THOU ME? HE SAITH UNTO HIM, YEA, LORD; THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE. HE SAITH UNTO HIM, FEED MY SHEEP.

HE SAITH UNTO HIM THE THIRD TIME, SIMON, SON OF JONAS, LOVEST THOU ME? AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, LORD, THOU KNOWEST ALL THINGS; THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THEE. JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, FEED MY SHEEP-Jn 21:15-17. Jesus is saying this to you, right now. Do you love Me? Feed His sheep.

It is written, THOU SHALT NOT AVENGE, NOR BEAR ANY GRUDGE AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE, BUT THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF: I AM THE LORD-Lev 19:18.

    THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF-Mt 19:19; ref Mt 22:39.
    THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF-Mk 12:31.
    THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF-Ja 2:8.
    FOR ALL THE LAW IS FULFILLED IN ONE WORD, EVEN IN THIS; THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF-Gal 5:14.
    Again, we see the words, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF-Ro 13:9.

    BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES,
    BLESS THEM THAT CURSE YOU,
    DO GOOD TO THEM THAT HATE YOU,
    AND PRAY FOR THEM WHICH DESPITEFULLY USE YOU, AND PERSECUTE YOU-Mt 5:44.
    BUT I SAY UNTO YOU WHICH HEAR, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES,
    DO GOOD TO THEM WHICH HATE YOU-Lk 6:27.
    BUT LOVE YE YOUR ENEMIES, AND DO GOOD-Lk 6:35.

LOVE WORKETH NO ILL TO HIS NEIGHBOR: THEREFORE LOVE IS THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW-Ro 13:10.

NO SERVANT CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS: FOR EITHER HE WILL HATE THE ONE, AND LOVE THE OTHER; OR ELSE HE WILL HOLD TO THE ONE, AND DESPISE THE OTHER. YE CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON (money)-Lk 16:13.

God wants us to KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST, WHICH PASSETH KNOWLEDGE, THAT YE MIGHT BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD-Eph 3:19.

    David said, O HOW LOVE I THY LAW! IT IS MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY-Ps 119:97.
    I LOVE THY COMMANDMENTS ABOVE GOLD; YEA, ABOVE FINE GOLD-Ps 119:127.
    CONSIDER HOW I LOVE THY PRECEPTS-Ps 119:159.
    I HATE AND ABHOR LYING: BUT THY LAW DO I LOVE-Ps 119:163.
    GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHICH LOVE THY LAW: AND NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM-Ps 119:165.

How many of us can make such statements? If we love God, should we not also love the laws He puts forth? Do we love God so much that we earnestly strive to obey all of His commandments in love? Do we earnestly seek to please God? or are we rebelling, in some fashion, against the way God’s Word tells us to live? Stop sinning. God (by His Spirit) gives you the power to overcome sin, even while being in the flesh. Truly the flesh is weak, but GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD-1 Jn 4:4. Jesus is also greater than your flesh. Seek to please God in everything you do.

    It is written, BECAUSE HE HATH SET HIS LOVE UPON ME, THEREFORE WILL I DELIVER HIM-Ps 91:14.
    THAT I MAY CAUSE THOSE THAT LOVE ME TO INHERIT SUBSTANCE; AND I WILL FILL THEIR TREASURES-Pv 8:21.
    I WILL GIVE THEM AN EVERLASTING NAME, THAT SHALL NOT BE CUT OFF. ALSO THE SONS OF THE STRANGER, THAT JOIN THEMSELVES TO THE LORD, TO SERVE HIM, AND TO LOVE THE NAME OF THE LORD, TO BE HIS SERVANTS-Isa 56:5,6.

    We know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE-Ro 8:28.
    HATH NOT GOD CHOSEN THE POOR OF THIS WORLD RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?-Ja 2:5.
    PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM: THEY SHALL PROSPER THAT LOVE THEE-Ps 122:6.

It is written, I LOVE THE LORD, BECAUSE HE HATH HEARD MY VOICE AND MY SUPPLICATIONS-Ps 116:1
WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US-1 Jn 4:19.

Paul relays to us the good will of our heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus, saying, PEACE BE TO THE BRETHREN, AND LOVE WITH FAITH, FROM GOD THE FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST-Eph 6:23.
WE HEARD OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS, AND OF THE LOVE WHICH YE HAVE TO ALL THE SAINTS-Col 1:4.

    The Lord also remembers WITHOUT CEASING YOUR WORK OF FAITH, AND LABOR OF LOVE, AND PATIENCE OF HOPE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST-1 Thes 1:3.
    BUT LET US, WHO ARE OF THE DAY, BE SOBER, PUTTING ON THE BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE-1 Thes 5:8.
    AND THE GRACE OF OUR LORD WAS EXCEEDING ABUNDANT WITH FAITH AND LOVE WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS-1 Tim 1:14.

Paul writes, HEARING OF THY LOVE AND FAITH, WHICH THOU HAST TOWARD THE LORD JESUS, AND TOWARD ALL SAINTS-Phile 5. Over and over, we see the words, "love thy brother," also the words, "love the saints." Something is definitely wrong when a person is witnessing for Jesus Christ, and other saints avoid him like the plague. Something is wrong when a person begins to speak of Jesus, and other "Christians" drift away quickly. Something is wrong when we hinder a person that is trying to witness for Jesus. The love is just not there. By their fruits, ye shall know them. Love is one of the fruits of the Spirit. As it is written, MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN-Mt 22:14.

Many that profess Jesus Christ are going to the lake of fire (unless they truly yield to God’s Word). On the outside, they may appear to be nice people, but on the inside, they do not fear God. They do not have true love abounding in their heart. The love they have is not for God; if it were, they would love their enemies and those who are doing the work of Jesus.

They may profess "God is love," but they often have little or no idea what the real meaning of love is. They do not have the love of God in them; therefore, they cannot truly comprehend what it is like to have true love that emanates from the heart. As it is written, BECAUSE THE LOVE OF GOD IS SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY GHOST WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO US-Ro 5:5.

The prophet Ezekiel describes those who COME UNTO THEE AS THE PEOPLE COMETH, AND THEY SIT BEFORE THEE AS MY PEOPLE, AND THEY HEAR THY WORDS, BUT THEY WILL NOT DO THEM: FOR WITH THEIR MOUTH THEY SHOW MUCH LOVE, BUT THEIR HEART GOETH AFTER THEIR COVETOUSNESS-Ezek 33:31.

    BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER-Gal 5:13.
    GRACE BE WITH YOU, MERCY, AND PEACE, FROM GOD THE FATHER, AND FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF THE FATHER, IN TRUTH AND LOVE-2 Jn 3.
    FOR GOD IS NOT UNRIGHTEOUS TO FORGET YOUR WORK AND LABOR OF LOVE, WHICH YE HAVE SHOWED TOWARD HIS NAME-Heb 6:10.
    AND LET US CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER TO PROVOKE UNTO LOVE AND TO GOOD WORKS-Heb 10:24.

Are you having problems getting answers to your prayers? You must have faith to get answers. With your faith there must be love. As it is written, FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE-Gal 5:6.

Jesus tells us, there was A CERTAIN CREDITOR WHICH HAD TWO DEBTORS: THE ONE OWED FIVE HUNDRED PENCE, AND THE OTHER FIFTY. AND WHEN THEY HAD NOTHING TO PAY, HE FRANKLY FORGAVE THEM BOTH. TELL ME THEREFORE, WHICH OF THEM WILL LOVE HIM MOST? SIMON ANSWERED AND SAID, I SUPPOSE THAT HE, TO WHOM HE FORGAVE MOST. AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, THOU HAST RIGHTLY JUDGED. AND HE TURNED TO THE WOMAN, AND SAID UNTO SIMON, SEEST THOU THIS WOMAN? I ENTERED INTO THINE HOUSE, THOU GAVEST ME NO WATER FOR MY FEET: BUT SHE HATH WASHED MY FEET WITH TEARS, AND WIPED THEM WITH THE HAIRS OF HER HEAD. THOU GAVEST ME NO KISS: BUT THIS WOMAN SINCE THE TIME I CAME IN HATH NOT CEASED TO KISS MY FEET. MY HEAD WITH OIL THOU DIDST NOT ANOINT: BUT THIS WOMAN HATH ANOINTED MY FEET WITH OINTMENT. WHEREFORE I SAY UNTO THEE, HER SINS, WHICH ARE MANY, ARE FORGIVEN; FOR SHE LOVED MUCH: BUT TO WHOM LITTLE IS FORGIVEN, THE SAME LOVETH LITTLE.
AND HE SAID UNTO HER, THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN. AND THEY THAT SAT AT MEAT WITH HIM BEGAN TO SAY WITHIN THEMSELVES, WHO IS THIS THAT FORGIVETH SINS ALSO? AND HE SAID TO THE WOMAN, THY FAITH HATH SAVED THEE; GO IN PEACE-Lk 7:41-50.

    The Bible tells us, HEREIN IS LOVE, NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US, AND SENT HIS SON TO BE THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS-1 Jn 4:10.
    AND WHATSOEVER WE ASK, WE RECEIVE OF HIM, BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, AND DO THOSE THINGS THAT ARE PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT-1 Jn 3:22.
    FOR THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, THAT WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS-1 Jn 5:3.

The Bible further describes the character of GOD, WHO IS RICH IN MERCY, FOR HIS GREAT LOVE WHEREWITH HE LOVED US-Eph 2:4.
THOU HAST LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND HATED INIQUITY-Heb 1:9.

    It is written, FOR I THE LORD LOVE JUDGMENT-Isa 61:8.
    FOR THE LORD LOVETH JUDGMENT, AND FORSAKETH NOT HIS SAINTS; THEY ARE PRESERVED FOR EVER: BUT THE SEED OF THE WICKED SHALL BE CUT OFF-Ps 37:28.
    MERCY REJOICETH AGAINST JUDGMENT-Ja 2:13.

    The Lord LOVETH THE RIGHTEOUS-Ps 146:8.
    HE LOVETH RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUDGMENT-Ps 33:5.
    FOR THE RIGHTEOUS LORD LOVETH RIGHTEOUSNESS-Ps 11:7.

Jesus said unto them, IF GOD WERE YOUR FATHER, YE WOULD LOVE ME: FOR I PROCEEDED FORTH AND CAME FROM GOD; NEITHER CAME I OF MYSELF, BUT HE SENT ME-Jn 8:42.
IF ANY MAN LOVE NOT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, LET HIM BE A-NATH’-E-MA MAR’-AN-A’-THA (accursed when the Lord comes)-1 Cor 16:22.

It is written, LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM-1 Jn 2:15.

SHOULDEST THOU HELP THE UNGODLY, AND LOVE THEM THAT HATE THE LORD? THEREFORE IS WRATH UPON THEE FROM BEFORE THE LORD-2 Chr 19:2.

God is love, but if God’s love does not dwell in you, by His Spirit, you will surely perish. God’s love demands righteousness. God loves judgment. God is mercy, and mercy rejoices against judgment. God’s love is so great, that it is beyond our understanding. To turn your back on that love, is to bring God’s judgment against you.

God’s love demands justice. God is a Holy God. Every act of disobedience (sin) will be judged. This is God’s love. God’s love is to save and reward the just. God’s love is to judge the disobedient. God’s love says, "Keep My commandments." God’s perfect justice requires a just penalty for those who do not. Thus, we have God (Who) is love; God’s love for you, and your love for God. God loves us and also wants us to love Him. We are to love in deed. We are to continue in His love. God warns us that, if we do not, we will perish. God tells us: love one another, love your brother, love thy neighbor, and love your enemies. God also tells us that faith works (or operates) by love. If you will turn your life over to Jesus, He will not turn you away. As it is written, IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME INTO HIM-Rev 3:20.

Finally, the LORD MAKE YOU TO INCREASE AND ABOUND IN LOVE ONE TOWARD ANOTHER, AND TOWARD ALL MEN-1 Thes 3:12. KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, LOOKING FOR THE MERCY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST UNTO ETERNAL LIFE-Jude 21.
MERCY UNTO YOU, AND PEACE, AND LOVE, BE MULTIPLIED-Jude 2.

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