What Does the Love of God Look Like?

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ~ Lao Tzu

This quote by the ancient Chinese philosopher expresses the power that love can have on our well-being. Love is one of the most profound and transformative forces in the world. That love is seeded by our parents from birth, cultivated by peers through adolescence, and matures when we share it with others.

At its highest expression, love reveals itself in ways that transcend human comprehension, and no love is greater or more perfect than the love of God. But what does the love of God actually look like? How can we experience and understand such a divine concept in our everyday lives?

1. Unconditional Acceptance

The love of God is unconditional. Unlike human love, which often comes with strings attached, God’s love does not depend on our actions, achievements, or worthiness. It is not something we can earn or lose; it simply is.

The Bible beautifully illustrates this in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse reminds us that God’s love does not wait for us to be perfect or deserving. Instead, it embraces us as we are, flaws and all.

This unconditional expression of love is demonstrated by parents in the care of children, from the sleepless nights during infancy, and continues with the sleepless nights through their teenage and young adulthood. This unconditional acceptance offers a profound sense of security. No matter how far we stray, God’s love remains steadfast, always calling us back into relationship with Him.

It is the kind of love that liberates rather than burdens, freeing us from the need to perform or prove ourselves.

2. Sacrificial Giving

The ultimate expression of God’s love is seen in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This sacrificial act is the cornerstone of Christian faith and a profound testament to the depths of God’s love.

The story of Christmas reminds us of the incarnational love demonstrated when God became flesh in the form of a baby lying in a manger. The birth of a Saviour that seeks to bridge the gap between humanity and the divine, even at great personal cost. This sacrificial love invites us to reflect on our own relationships and consider how we can embody selflessness and generosity in our interactions with others.

3. Transformative Power

The love of God is not just a comforting presence; it is a transformative force. When we truly encounter God’s love, it changes us from the inside out. In 1 John 4:19, we read, “We love because he first loved us.” This verse highlights the ripple effect of divine love—once we experience it, we are empowered to share it with others.

God’s love transforms how we see ourselves and others. It heals wounds, restores brokenness, and cultivates compassion and forgiveness. It inspires us to love boldly and selflessly, mirroring the grace we have received.

We do not take for granted the many testimonies of individuals who have experienced this transformative power at their water baptisms or completion from Freedom Session.

4. Helping Others See the Love of God

Coastal Church is on a mission to help make our city a better place and a practical way of accomplishing that is to help others in our community see the love of God. How can we help demonstrate unconditional acceptance, sacrificial giving, and transformative power to others?

It starts with us opening ourselves personally to God’s love and allowing our experience of that divine affection to multiply out to others in our respective spheres of influence (family, friends, workplace, school, neighbours, etc.).

As we go into the New Year, here are a few practical steps for you to consider how to experience and share more of God’s love:

• Seek God through Prayer and Scripture: Spend time in prayer and study of the Bible to grow in your understanding of God’s character and His love for you. Join our weekly Saturday morning prayer meeting.
• Embrace Community: Surround yourself with others who reflect God’s love through their kindness, encouragement, and support. Join a small group such as Alpha or Life Group.
• Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of recognizing and giving thanks for the ways God’s love is evident in your life.
• Serving Others: As you experience God’s love, look for ways to share it with those around you through acts of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Take our Connect Course to help discover your giftings and explore opportunities to serve in the church.