The Love of God: Reflections on Christian Love & Marriage

The Love of God: A Reflection on Christian Love and Marriage

Class that day began so peacefully.

My university professor began the Christian Love and Marriage class with a “fun little assignment to get the creative juices flowing.”

The task was simple: Draw what you think of when you envision the love of God.

She went around and handed out crayons and blank sheets of paper for our project. We had fifteen minutes.

The first five I just sat there. How could I, who could barely draw straight lines for stickmen, draw the love of God?

As my peers joyfully scribbled away, I grabbed the black crayon. I still recall those next ten minutes of worship.

The alarm rang — time for show and tell. Each of us went around and shared our drawings, explaining why we drew what we did.

The first student unveiled her picture: a collage of lipstick red hearts, shiny bubbles, and a dozen or so smiley faces.

The second student revealed a unicorn galloping over a rainbow.

The Depth of God's Love

When we think about the love of God, it can be challenging to put it into words or even draw it on a piece of paper. His love is vast, deep, and beyond human comprehension. The Bible tells us that "God is love" (1 John 4:8), and everything He does is motivated by His perfect love.

God's love for us is not based on our performance or worthiness. It is unconditional and everlasting. In Romans 5:8, we are reminded that "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This demonstrates the incredible depth of God's love — He sent His only Son to die for our sins so that we could be reconciled to Him.

The Love of a Father

One way to understand God's love is to think about the love of a father for his children. In Matthew 7:11, Jesus says, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

Just as an earthly father loves his children and desires to provide for their needs, so does our heavenly Father. He knows what is best for us and desires to bless us abundantly. His love is not limited or conditional; it is constant and unwavering.

Unfailing Love

Another aspect of God's love is its unfailing nature. In Psalm 136:26, we read, "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever." God's love for us does not change or diminish. It remains steadfast and consistent throughout all circumstances.

Even when we make mistakes or fall short, God's love remains unchanging. His love is not based on our performance or worthiness. It is a gift freely given, and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Experiencing God's Love

Understanding the love of God is one thing, but experiencing it is another. God's love is not meant to be a theoretical concept but a transformative reality in our lives. When we truly grasp the depth of His love, it can change everything.

So how can we experience God's love?

• 1. Seek Him: Draw near to God through prayer, reading His Word, and participating in worship. As we seek His presence, we become more aware of His love for us.


• 2. Meditate on His Word: Reflect on passages of Scripture that speak of God's love. Some examples include John 3:16, Romans 8:38-39, and 1 John 4:9-10. Allow these truths to sink deep into your heart and mind.


• 3. Surrender to His Love: Recognize that you are fully known and fully loved by God. Surrender your fears, insecurities, and doubts to Him. Trust in His perfect love for you.


• 4. Love Others: As recipients of God's love, we are called to love others in return. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34). By loving others, we reflect the love of God to the world.

The Impact of God's Love on Marriage

Understanding and experiencing God's love is especially important in the context of marriage. Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, and His love serves as the foundation for a thriving marital relationship.

When husbands and wives understand and embody God's love, their marriage is transformed. Ephesians 5:25-28 provides guidance for husbands, saying, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies."

Similarly, wives are called to respect and submit to their husbands out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). This mutual love and respect, rooted in God's love, creates a harmonious and fulfilling marriage.

The Love of God: A Model for Marriage

The love of God serves as the ultimate model for how husbands and wives are to love one another. It is sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. Just as Christ laid down His life for the Church, husbands are called to sacrificially love their wives.

Wives, on the other hand, are called to submit to their husbands out of reverence for Christ. This submission is not a sign of inferiority but a reflection of the Church's submission to Christ. It is a beautiful expression of trust and mutual submission.

Conclusion

The love of God is a profound and transformative reality. It is a love that surpasses human understanding and is freely given to all who believe in Him. As we seek to understand and experience God's love, it shapes our relationships, including our marriages.

May we continually strive to grasp the depth of His love and allow it to overflow into our lives and the lives of those around us. Let us love one another as He has loved us, reflecting His love to a world in need.

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