“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” – 1 John 4:9
What does it mean that the love of God was made manifest? Does it mean made evident? “Made obvious? Made visible? Yes, it does. But it means much more than that, too, more than simply God showing His love.
When John says the love of God is manifest, it means much more than a mere sign or symbol being given. It means that the love of God was embodied—this love became a person, Jesus Christ himself.
How does this change our response and receiving of God’s love? We should no longer reduce God’s love to a mere feeling, a vibe, or a thought—something intangible, ethereal, far away, or inaccessible. Neither should we think of God’s love as being doled out in portions to the deserving or earned in any way. Instead, we can know and relate to God’s love in the person of Jesus Christ. To follow Jesus is to walk in the love of God!
The end of the verse says that Jesus came “that we might live through Him.” Do you see how this fits together? God’s love, manifested in the person and work of Jesus, is our very source of life. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus in order that we may “have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
So when you wonder if God loves you or struggle to feel His love for you, look to Jesus. He is the proof. He is the love of God, given for you. If you are in Christ, you are in the love of God, safe and secure for eternity.
I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe!
Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash
