Read Psalm 86. Today, we are going to focus on LOVE. There are four different types of love. There’s storge or affection; this is the love that we have for family — family love. There’s philia or friendship; this is the love that we have for our friends — friend love. There’s eros which is an erotic bond; this is what we usually say is “being in love” — sexual love. Finally, there’s charity or agape — unconditional love.
When we consider the love of God, and how He loves us, a verse we typically focus on is John 3:16— “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (ESV). God’s love is FOR EVERYONE. This means that no matter what you have done, no matter who you are, no matter— that God’s love is for YOU! Why? His love isn’t based on you or anything you have done or can do. Rather, His love is all about Him. In fact, He is love (1 John 4:8).
Not only is God’s love offered to everyone, but NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US from His love. Romans 8:38-39 says: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV). My friends, God’s faithful love WILL NOT DEPART from you. “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My steadfast love shall not depart from you, and My covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you (Isaiah 54:10 ESV). Again, God’s love isn’t based on you so you need not worry that it will one day not be available to you. No matter what tries to come between you and God, His love remains. No matter what happens in life, His steadfast love will not depart from you. Indeed, His love ENDURES FOREVER (Psalm 136:26).
Thank you Lord! “You love me so much and You placed Your greatness upon me. You rescued me from the deepest place of darkness, and You have delivered me from a certain death” (Psalm 86:13 TPT). “Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You” (Psalm 63:3 ESV). Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 