1 John 4:8 says, “God is Love.” Love is not something he chooses to do or give; it is who He is.

It motivates His every action, directs His activities and reflects His desires.

One of the most well-known verses that reflect the very nature of God is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

In this verse and John 3:16, we find no conditions placed on God’s love for us. God doesn’t say, “as soon as you clean up your act, I’ll love you,” nor does He say, “I’ll sacrifice my Son if you promise to love Me.”

In Romans 5:8, we find just the opposite. God wants us to know His love is unconditional; it’s not based on feelings or emotions.

He doesn’t love us because we’re lovable or because we make Him feel good; He loves us because He is love, and because of that, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us while we were still unlovable sinners.

Think about that. God willingly sacrificed His Son, so those who would put their faith and trust in Him, would not spend eternity separated from Him. That’s true love.

One of my favorite old hymns, “Love Lifted Me,” tells a story of a place we’ve all been. You may still be there. It describes in depth what God’s love will do for those who will come to Him.

“I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, Now safe am I.

“Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

“ … Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves; He will lift you by His love Out of the angry waves. He’s the Master of the sea, Billows His will obey; He your Savior wants to be — Be saved today.”

Billy Keller is the pastor of Trinity Church of God, 285 Winn Ave. Contact him at pastorbilly1@bellsouth.net.