“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Love. It is one word with such a vastness of meaning. It is articulated and defined so intimately by each person, yet holds common truths to the masses. We use this word every day as a noun, verb, adjective and more in describing all that we encounter, from free pizza to our very best friend. How can one word be used to describe all that we hold dear, from the simplest of pleasures to the deepest of loyalties?

While love is the purest form of companionship, hope, and joy we have in this world, have you ever found it hard to accept? Sometimes being loved and wholly accepted by the only One who can truly love in all of its dimensions, without expecting anything in return, is the hardest thing to receive. It is overwhelming and humbling to be offered a love that is not of this world!

Paul reminds us of this phenomenon in Romans 5:8. Even if we as humans muster up all of our noblest intentions, we still fall short and undeserving. Is this why it is so hard to accept the love that Romans 5:8 speaks of?

God’s love is something that we can never earn or deserve. It is pure, perfect and untainted by sin. We catch glimpses of this love in our world, but apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ, we will never truly experience it. 1 John 4: 7-8 puts it this way, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Love does not just come from God; it is His very nature. It is a true love that has nothing to do with us, and everything to do with Him!

We are perfectly loved by a God who has sacrificed His son so that we can experience Him and His love and have eternal life. So next time you find pondering the vastness and power of this thing called “love,” realize that you are truly examining the very nature of God and who He is. In that case, be encouraged that God alone is the best thing we could ever have!

At Grand Canyon University, Christian principles are integrated in all that we do. To learn about GCU’s Christian identity and heritage, visit our website or request more information using the button at the top of this page.