Jesus: God’s expression of love

Love is not just an emotion or a feeling, it is a defining attribute of God’s nature. Everything He does is rooted in love, and the greatest proof of this is found in the sacrifice He made for mankind.

Imagine you have something incredibly precious to you — perhaps a treasured piece of jewellery, your favourite clothing item, or even your last piece of money. Now, picture being in a situation where someone desperately needs that very thing to survive. Would you be willing to give it up, knowing you may never get it back? That moment of hesitation, the inner struggle, is something we can all relate to. But God didn’t hesitate.

He gave up His most precious gift — His only Son — so that we might have life.

John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

At first, it may be difficult to grasp the depth of love in this act. Many acknowledge that Christ died for man, but not everyone takes the time to truly internalise and comprehend what that means. God’s love was not just in the sending of His Son; it was in His willingness to let Him suffer and die for a world that did not deserve it.

This passage reveals two powerful truths:

• The demonstration of God’s love for mankind; Love is more than words, it is action. God didn’t just declare His love… He showed and proved it through sacrifice.
• God’s willingness to give His Son; Christ’s death was not a random event, it was a deliberate act of love, a gift freely given for our salvation.

1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (NIV) says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

Every aspect of 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 reflects the love God showed when He sent Jesus to redeem mankind:

• Love is patient and kind: Despite mans rebellion and sin, God remains patient with us, showing love by offering a way to salvation through Jesus. He did not abandon us to our fate but instead provided a path to eternal life.
• Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude: God’s love is pure and selfless. He did not send Jesus to prove His power or superiority but because He genuinely desired reconciliation with us. Christ’s humility in coming to earth as a servant exemplifies this love.
• Love does not insist on its own way: God could have chosen to judge mankind harshly for sin, but instead, He chose mercy. His love was not about forcing people to obey but about giving us the choice to accept the greatest gift — salvation through Jesus.
• Love is not irritable or resentful: Even though mankind repeatedly turns away from Him, God will not respond with anger or resentment. Instead, He continues to extend grace, ultimately proving His love by sacrificing His Son for our redemption.
• Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth: God’s love is rooted in truth. Jesus came to bring light into darkness, to rescue mankind from sin, and to lead us into righteousness. His sacrifice was not about overlooking or excusing sin but about providing the way for us to be freed from it.

When we fully grasp the depth of this love, we begin to understand the magnitude of the salvation God has offered us. Christ’s crucifixion was not just a tragic event; it was the ultimate expression of love — one that calls us to accept and live in the grace that has been made available to us.