We have studied the holiness of god and the sovereignty of god, and we have seen: 1) God’s holiness is His chief characteristic; 2) God is sovereign because, “It is he that hath made us and not we ourselves.” God’s great love for us comes out of His holiness and His sovereignty. The word that is used to relate the love of god is, of course, the word “agape” (AGAPE = good-will, benevolence, love.) It is raised to its highest level when it is used in relation to God. “Agape” refers to a love that is unconditional and sacrificial. God places no conditions upon His love for mankind. It is this love that caused Him to make the ultimate sacrifice in sending His only begotten Son to the cross. As our society drifts farther from God, it is not surprising that many are skeptical about the possibility of having a truly loving relationship. One reason is that so many do not know God. God does not attain love, then maintain love. Love is simply the structure of His being. First John makes 3 comprehensive statements about God: 1) God is light -- pure righteousness, holiness; 2) God is Spirit. (No man hath seen God.) 3) God is love. As we attempt to get an understanding of the love that god is, i want to present 3 thoughts about the subject.

I. GOD’S LOVE IS A REVEALED LOVE -- VV. 8-9.

II. GOD’S LOVE IS A REDEEMING LOVE -- VV. 9-10.

III. GOD’S LOVE IS A REASSURING LOVE.