Christian Writers Circle

Freedom in God’s Love
by Judy Hitson

1 John 4:8, 16 NLT…..God is love

Imagine for a moment the very being of God, who He is, His character, is love.

What does that love look like to you?

Consider the facets of God’s love in the love chapter of the Bible:

1 Cor. 13:4-8a NIV Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of  wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails;…

Here is a profound lesson I learned from this passage of Scripture. Bear with me if you are familiar with it. Read I Cor. 13:4-8a and insert Jesus for the word love. Think about the depth of God’s love. Then insert your name in place of love and note your areas  of needed change.  Pray for God’s transformation to love as He loves. Take time to apply this.  

To experience freedom in God’s love, we must first receive His love through a personal relationship with Him through Christ. As we bask in the wonders of His sacrificial, everlasting love, we learn to love Him because He first loved us, 1 John 4:19 NKJV.

Freedom in God’s love, I believe, is the most important freedom for us to experience and practice in daily living. What is important is faith expressing itself in love, Gal.5:6b NLT. Love is the fulfillment of the law, Rom.13:10 NASB. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity, Col.3:14.

While listening to the Kari Jobe song, “Love Came Down,” I was struck remembering my experience. The lyrics of this song confirmed times love came down in my life with assurance of God’s love for me, His forgiveness of my sins and setting me free in His love. No longer do I hide in shame, disgrace and fear. Freedom in God’s love freed me to confess and repent of my sins and be in awe of His great salvation through Jesus Christ.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Rom. 5:8 NASB.

Prayer:  Father in heaven, thank You for Your amazing love for us that You sent Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins and give us eternal life with You. Thank You Jesus for leaving us Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit empower us to love others as God loves us. Amen.