God is love...

Last week during class we got on the topic of God is love.  I think when most people think of God, they think about the following definitions from Merriam-Webster:

(1)   A strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties.

(2)   Affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interest.

But I think we need to expand our definition to two other ones that were given:

(1)   Unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.

(2)   The fatherly concern of God for humankind.

Concern – that is what I think of when I think of God.  His concern for me!  That concern though is not all about hugs and kisses and pats on the head.  That concern is about whether or not I am on the right path, and what is best for me.  God wants to see us safe and secure.  He wants to be with us for eternity so He wants us to do what is right.

Imagine a child who only receives praise and hugs and kisses.  What do you see?  I see a brat.  Someone who has no self-control and who throws a temper-tantrum because they do not get their way.  Someone who has no friends and someone who others do not want to be around.  

Imagine a child who receives praise and hugs and kisses, but also receives correction and criticism.  What do you see?  I see a child who is loved, one who has friends and one who is willing to reach out to others.  One who sees beyond themself.  One who has a successful future.  One who is happy no matter what life throws their way.

Which child would you want to be?  Which life would you want?  What parent could you truly love in return?  God is the parent of child number two.  He only wants what is best for us, best for now and best for eternity.  So yes God is love – love of hugs and kisses and the love of concern for wanting only the best for His children.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love (I John 4:8).