Before discussing a subject matter, it is important to define it. Our subject matter today is love, and there are several ways to define it, depending on the context. Bible scholars say there are four different types of love the Bible presents us with: Eros–the type seen between a married couple, in the sense that two become one. Storge–the type that exists among family relations, otherwise called familial love. Philos–brotherly love, not affection but more like care for a friend. Lastly, Agape—this type is all encompassing, wholesome, and sacrificial. The “love” we are learning about today is the agape type. 

This is the type of love God has for us. Jesus summarised the commandments into two, and the common factor was love, agape love. God’s love was–and still is–sacrificial. John 3:16 helps us understand this. His love is also holistic, in the sense that it touches on other forms/types of love. He calls us His children, His friends, His bride. This love doesn’t hold back; instead, it reveals itself in spite of. That is, even if the face of a seemingly good enough reason to stop loving someone, agape love still persists. God did not stop loving us because of our sins. He loved us in spite of them. 

And this is the type of love God expects of us (Jn. 15:12-13). Just as He loves us with a strong, selfless, and unrecovacable love, He wants us to have the same for Him and those around. 

Where and how is God’s love revealed?
In your ignorance, you may think God doesn’t love you. But that’s not true. There are many things that reveal His love for you, but the enemy has prevented you from seeing or acknowledging them. God tells me, you, us, and anyone that cares to know, that He has loved us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). Again, He says in Hosea 14:4 that He will love us freely. 

John 3:16, probably the most widely known Bible verse, tells us that God loved us to the extent that He gave us His everything, so we could be saved. And to further prove this love, to prove how unconditional it was, He gave it ahead. Romans 5:8 says while we were yet sinners. There was no assurance that we would accept this love, but still God made it readily available. Moreover, He displayed His love by granting us access to become His children

Other religions speak of God strictly in a servant- Master fashion. But we speak of God as not just our Master (1 Cor. 6:19), but our friend (Jn. 15:15), the lover of our soul (1 Jn. 3:16), our dear Father, whom we can call Abba (Gal. 4:6). What a love He has lavished on us! He takes a gamble on us and chases us down, reaching out for us even to the uttermost parts of the earth. How amazing, how beautiful. 

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
1 John 3:1 ESV

Now that we are clear on whether or not God loves us, how do we respond to His love?
There is too much evidence in the Bible that proves God loves us. Concluding or assuming otherwise would be drifting or falling short of the truth. So, when we come to accept this truth, our first response is to live with the consciousness of it. Live every moment remembering the depth and power of God’s love for you.

The Bible teaches us extensively about what love means to a believer. It is one clear way to show who we belong to (Jn. 13:35). Apostles John says whoever does not love cannot say they know God, let alone even claim to love Him (1 John 4:8). Therefore, our response to God’s love is love. Because God loves us, we can and should love Him, those around us, and ourselves. Freely, we have received this love; freely, we must also give it.

A saying goes, ” You can’t give what you don’t have”. The only way to reciprocate God’s love is to remain in Him. John 15:6 tells us that a branch cannot bear fruit on its own. It must be connected to a vine. Likewise, without remaining in God’s love, there is no way we can show that love to others. Recall 1 John 4:19 that says we love because He first loved us. Whatever love we show anyone around us is because of the love we ourselves have received from God. To add to this, staying in God’s love is also the only proper way to respond to His love. Whatever you appreciate, you cherish and never let go of.