• The world will pass away, but God's Word will abide forever.

  • Where God is, love is. (1 John 4:7-8)

  • Put your hand in the hand of God.

  • Any good that I can do, let me do it now.

  • God is good. All the time.

Anchor

User-friendly devotionals with audio

  • 16 Mar

    The Nature of God: Love

    By Peter Amsterdam

    Audio length: 11:54
    Download Audio (10.9MB)

    One of the best-loved Bible verses is 1 John 4:8, which states that “God is love.” This truth about God’s nature is evidenced throughout the Bible from the beginning to the end, and is clearly manifested in the lives of those who know and love Him. His love is seen in many ways in our personal lives so that we can, from our own experience, say that God is love. Of course, love is not all that God is, as He is each of the attributes that are His nature and character.

    God’s love is seen in the triune nature of God—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are love, and they love one another. Jesus spoke of the Father’s love for Him and His love for the Father, saying, “You loved Me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24). And we also read of the Father proclaiming His love for the Son at the baptism of Jesus: “A voice from heaven said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:17).

    While there are no specific verses referring to the Father and Son loving the Holy Spirit, it can be inferred. Scripture does speak of the “love of the Spirit” in Romans. “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf” (Romans 15:30).

    God’s love extends to every human being. Ever since He created human beings, He has loved them. No matter where they stand relationally with Him, He loves them. They may not believe He exists; they may believe He exists but hate Him; they may want nothing to do with Him; but nevertheless, He loves them. His love, kindness, and care are given to them by virtue of their being part of humanity. Human beings were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). He loves every single one of us, and His love for us translates into loving action on His part—His care and blessings given to humankind.

    You visit the earth and water it; You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. You crown the year with Your bounty; Your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.—Psalm 65:9–13

    When Jesus taught His disciples to love their enemies, He said that in doing so they would be imitating God’s love, for God shows His love and kindness to all, even to the ungrateful and the evil.

    You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.—Matthew 5:43–45

    Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.—Luke 6:35–36

    Jesus also expressed God’s love toward everyone when He made the point that if God takes care of the birds of the air, certainly He will care for people, as they have more value than the birds.

    Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?—Matthew 6:26–27

    Paul, when speaking to the Greeks, made the point this way:

    In past generations He allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet He did not leave Himself without witness, for He did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.—Acts 14:16–17

    God’s love for all humankind is most clearly seen in His answer to humanity’s need for salvation. Every human is a sinner and in need of redemption to be reconciled to God (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  God’s love for each human being brought forth the plan of salvation by which Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died, taking our sins upon Himself, thereby making atonement for us (1 John 2:2). This means that every person can now be reconciled to God, no matter who they are or what sins they have committed through faith in Jesus and His sacrifice for our sin. Jesus sacrificed His life for everyone, so salvation is available for all who believe in Him and receive Him. He did this because of His love for all people, for the whole world.

    For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.—John 3:16

    In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins.—1 John 4:10

    We can see by the amazing sacrifice Jesus made for us that God loves and cares for us and has made provision not only for our physical lives but for our spiritual lives through salvation. He has borne the full weight of our punishment, even though we all are sinners. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we can see that God’s love is self-giving love—it is God’s very nature to give of Himself to bring about blessing or good for others.

    Many people express some difficulty in understanding God’s love for humanity in relation to God’s righteous judgment of sin and evil-doing. God’s love can be seen in His patience with humanity, in His being by His very nature “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). God’s love is evidenced in His longing for people to receive His gift of salvation and giving them time to do so (1 Timothy 2:3-4). God postpones deserved judgment because of His deep love for those He created in His image. Theologian Jack Cottrell puts it this way:

    If God determined to give us what we deserve as soon as we deserve it, we would all have perished long ago. It is His loving patience that puts the punishment “on hold” until it is either set aside (with regard to the one who deserves it) or ultimately applied.1

    The reason for God’s patient delay in bringing judgment for sin is to give people time to repent, to receive salvation, and by doing so avoid God’s judgment or wrath. It is God’s nature to give people time to choose redemption. He doesn’t wish for anyone to perish, and His patience gives people time to receive His redemptive love through Jesus Christ, as expressed in the following verses.

    Do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?—Romans 2:4

    The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Count the patience of our Lord as salvation.—2 Peter 3:9, 15

    God in His love has made a way that people can avoid the just punishment for sin and be reconciled to Him in a loving relationship. He sent a substitute, His Son, to take that punishment for our sin. He doesn’t pour out His judgment and wrath on the sinner because Jesus has taken it upon Himself.

    All that is left is for individuals to believe in Jesus and accept Him as their Savior, and if they do, their sins are forgiven and atoned for. That is the nature of God’s love and His gift to humankind. He makes forgiveness of sins possible through His self-giving love. Jesus laid down His life so that everyone who believes in Him could be reconciled with God. God doesn’t force anyone to accept His gift, because He has given humankind free will, but in His love, He patiently waits, longing for all to accept it.

    Those of us who have received God’s gift of salvation experience His love in profound ways. We have become His children (John 1:12) and we will live with Him forever (John 14:2–3). We have entered into a personal relationship with God. We commune with Him, we grow closer to Him, we get to know Him better, His Spirit abides in us and works to transform our lives into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

    We experience God’s love in ways that only those who know and love Him can. Jesus has called us His friends, and the God of the universe is our heavenly Father (John 15:15). “There is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist” (1 Corinthians 8:6).

    As His children, we have been commissioned to share the good news of His love with as many as we can, to invite them to become His children and the heirs of His blessings along with us.

    You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.—Romans 8:15–17

    Originally published May 2012. Adapted and republished March 2026. Read by Jerry Paladino.

    1 Jack Cottrell, What the Bible Says About God the Redeemer (Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2000), 358.

  • Mar 12 Our God of Deliverance
  • Mar 9 The Story of Ruth—Part 2
  • Mar 4 My Bible Journey
  • Mar 3 We All Need Forgiveness
  • Mar 2 God’s Promise of Power
  • Feb 25 What to Do When You’re Worried about Money
  • Feb 24 Beyond Face Value
  • Feb 23 The Story of Ruth—Part 1
  • Feb 20 A Christian’s Happiness
   

Directors’ Corner

Faith-building Bible studies and articles

  • 3 Mar

    1 Corinthians: Chapter 15 (verses 37–58)

    The previous post in this series ended at 1 Corinthians 15:35–36, where Paul addressed questions and objections about the resurrection and the afterlife from those who were claiming that there is no resurrection from the dead.

    Paul continues his explanation regarding the bodily form the resurrected will have in the verses that follow.

    And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain (1 Corinthians 15:37).

    He makes the point that the seed which is planted in the ground isn’t the full-grown plant but rather a “bare kernel.” In reality, a seed does not look anything like the plant into which it grows, so when looking at a seed we do not see all that it will become. Likewise, our human bodies are like seeds in comparison to our resurrected bodies.

    One Bible scholar explained this as follows:

    The seed corresponds to our perishable body that must die first, whereas the embodied life that emerges from death represents our new resurrection body. The perishable body that is laid in the ground in death is not the same body that emerges in new life, but the seed image strongly implies continuity of identity. Somehow we will know ourselves to be ourselves in the new body, and we will know others in their new bodies as the same persons we knew in their perishable bodies.1

    Paul goes on to say, But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body (1 Corinthians 15:38).

    At the resurrection our bodies will be transformed. Whereas our present physical bodies are mortal and perishable, at the resurrection our bodies will be imperishable and spiritual. The change that will take place is comparable to that of a seed which is planted and then grows into a lovely flower. Our resurrection bodies will be supernatural bodies that will not experience decline, decay, or the limitations of our temporal bodies.

    Paul points out that God is the one who has designed and planned this. As one author expressed it:

    As God causes the dead seed to come to life as a plant, he also shapes it into the appropriate form. In his sovereignty, God chooses what each plant will look like. In the resurrection, Paul said in effect, believers will have the kind of body that God has determined they will have. Resurrected bodies will be different from mortal bodies, just as a seed differs from the plant into which it grows.2

    For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish (1 Corinthians 15:39).

    The resurrection will not bring back our bodies in the same form as our earthly bodies; rather there will be a transformation. God has planned that resurrection bodies will be specifically suited for eternity with Him.

    There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another (1 Corinthians 15:40).

    Paul states here that there are two categories of bodies, the celestial and the terrestrial, and addresses the difference between them. “Heavenly bodies” may refer to the stars and planets, as well as to angels. “Earthly bodies” refer to plants and animals, including humans, which live on earth. Paul highlights the wonder of God’s creation by referring to the glory of each kind.

    There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory (1 Corinthians 15:41).

    Paul goes on to point to the different glories of the sun, the moon, and the stars, each of which is glorious in its own unique way. Each star differs from the other in its splendor and glory. Paul is highlighting the wonders and variety of God’s creation, each part of which has its own unique beauty—all of which are glorious, yet different from each other.3

    So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42).

    Just as when seeds are planted in the ground and in time are transformed into a plant, so will our bodies rise from the dead in a new form. Presently we are subject to illness, weakness, and death as our bodies were made to be only temporary housing (2 Corinthians 5:1). However, due to Christ’s sacrificially giving of His life for us, as believers we partake of the promise that our present bodies are merely temporary vessels waiting for the wonderful resurrection. Paul tells us that our new bodies will be imperishable and free from the weakness of our present world. We look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises for the future, knowing that a blessed and eternal dawn awaits us.

    It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:43).

    Paul continues to speak about the resurrection, making the point that through it we will be “raised in glory.” The physical forms that we now possess are only temporary and perishable, as opposed to the form we will receive in the resurrection. Our present bodies are buried at death, and they decompose in the grave. However, that is not the end.

    Our bodies will be raised in glory, completely transformed, free from decay and glorious. Our present bodies are fragile. We get sick, we grow old and die. However, we will be “raised in power.” Our new body will be full of life and will never die again.

    It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:44).

    Paul speaks here of the transformation that occurs at the resurrection. Our present bodies are like a seed that is planted in the ground, and just as a seed grows into a plant, our bodies will be transformed into spiritual bodies. We will no longer experience the limitations of the flesh or the natural body. Elsewhere Paul says that our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious body (Philippians 3:21).

    Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).

    Paul compares the first man, Adam, with Christ, who he refers to as “the last Adam” in this verse. As the first man, Adam was given life by God. However, Adam disobeyed God, which introduced sin and death into the world. Paul points to the life we inherit from Adam, a life which includes death. By comparison he refers to Christ as the “life-giving spirit,” as those who are in Christ can look forward to being resurrected and inheriting everlasting life (Matthew 19:29).

    But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:46).

    Paul goes on to remind us that we are to embrace both our natural and spiritual lives. While we inhabit earthly bodies, we also have a higher purpose that is beyond our physical life. The natural body is the first stage in the life of a believer. The spiritual body is the state that believers will have in the resurrection. This understanding gives hope to believers, as it guarantees that their earthly challenges will be replaced by a glorious spiritual existence. “And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17 NIV).

    The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:47–48).

    In the book of Genesis, we read that God created the first man, Adam, out of the dust of the earth, and placed him in the garden of Eden. After he sinned, he was removed from Eden and made to till the ground. He also was given a limited time to live, as he would die and return to the dust from whence he came (Genesis 3:17–19). Through this entrance of sin into the world, all people became sinners by nature and experience death (Romans 5:12–15).

    Paul then refers to “the second man,” Christ, who is “from heaven” and is divine and eternal. In so doing, Paul is highlighting the difference between the natural and spiritual, with Adam representing the sinful human race, whereas Jesus represents redeemed humanity. Adam’s nature resulted in death; Jesus’ nature resulted in righteousness and eternal life. While our present bodies are perishable like Adam’s, those who belong to Christ will eventually have glorified bodies like His.

    In addressing the difference between Adam and Jesus, Paul points out that all people share Adam’s earthly, sinful nature, along with his weaknesses and eventual death. However, those who belong to Christ also share in His heavenly nature. On this point, Bible commentator Leon Morris wrote,

    Our bodies are earthy bodies and they share in the corruption that is part and parcel of earthy things. But Christians are not only earthy; they are also ‘heavenly’ because of their relationship to Christ. This means that Christ’s people will be like him (1 John 3:2). The resurrection body of Christ shows us something of what life will be like for believers in that new world that their resurrection will usher in.4

    Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:49).

    Paul explains that just as humans have borne the image of the sinful and mortal nature of Adam, they will bear the heavenly image, which is righteous, immortal, and conformed to the likeness of Christ.

    I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:50).

    Paul points out that our present state, which is mortal and weak, is not compatible with the divine nature of God’s kingdom. Things of the earth are perishable and will not attain to what is everlasting. The perishable body cannot enter a state of incorruption or enter into the kingdom of heaven in its present condition. It takes the resurrection to transform the body into a new imperishable state. Paul highlights this in his letter to the Philippians: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20–21).

    Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).

    Paul begins here with the word “Behold” to indicate that what he is about to say is important. The word “mystery” in this context refers to a divine truth formerly not disclosed but now revealed.5 Paul has already alluded to the resurrection of the dead that will happen when Christ returns for those who belong to Him (1 Corinthians 15:22–23). Of course, some people will still be alive at the time of Christ’s return. Those who are alive and remain for His coming will be transformed when they enter eternity and their bodies will be changed into their glorified bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

    The change that will occur will be instantaneous. It will be accompanied by the blast of a trumpet, associated in the New Testament with the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the beginning of the new creation.6 In the blink of an eye all mortal bodies will be replaced by immortal ones. The dead will rise; they will no longer be faced with death and decay. Those who are alive will also be transformed.

    These verses give us the assurance that even in death we hold the promise of a new life that will never perish. We have the sure knowledge that transformation awaits all those who believe.

    For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53).

    Paul addresses what occurs when believers transition from the mortal world to eternal life. He speaks of the shedding of our perishable nature and putting on an immortal existence. Our mortal bodies will be replaced with imperishable bodies in the life to come.

    When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54).

    Paul quotes from Isaiah 25:8 as he declares that “death will be swallowed up in victory.” Every person who has believed in Christ will be transformed into what God has prepared for His children. Our earthly bodies will be gone, replaced by immortal bodies that will live with God eternally.

    “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

    Paul’s two questions, where is death’s victory and its sting, point to death’s defeat at Christ’s resurrection—and its ultimate defeat at His return. The victory over death and the grave brings comfort and encouragement to Christians as it reminds us of the triumphant and eternal future that is awaiting us through Christ. Death is merely a bridge to our heavenly life.

    The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law (1 Corinthians 15:56).

    Paul highlights the connection between sin, death, and the law. Sin inflicts spiritual death. The law doesn’t save us from sin, rather it points to our need for redemption. It shows the power of sin and points to the need for a Savior to free us from the bondage of sin.

    But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

    This beautiful expression of thanks to God addresses the triumph over sin and death through Christ. Paul brings together the themes of thanksgiving and worship, victory, and the central role of Christ in our lives. While sin separates us from God, Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross brings us forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Our response should be continual gratitude and thanksgiving for all that has been bestowed upon us through Christ.

    Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

    Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians with affection as he addresses them as “my beloved brothers,” or in the NIV translation, “my dear brothers and sisters.” He urges them to stand firm in their faith and be committed to their calling, to always give themselves to God’s work. In so doing, they can know that “their labor will not be in vain.” Their efforts will be meaningful and will bear fruit, even if the results aren’t immediately evident.

    This brings us to the end of the fifteen chapters of 1 Corinthians. The final chapter, 1 Corinthians 16, is not covered in this series. This chapter, which draws the letter to a close, deals with practical instructions from Paul to the church, providing information on his travel plans and other local church matters.

    1 Alan F. Johnson, 1 Corinthians, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (IVP Academic, 2004), 302.

    2 Richard L. Pratt, Holman New Testament Commentary—1 & 2 Corinthians, Vol. 7 (B&H Publishing Group, 2000).

    3 Leon Morris, 1 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary, Vol. 7, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (InterVarsity Press, 1985), 194.

    4 Morris, 1 Corinthians, 198–199.

    5 Johnson, 1 Corinthians, 307.

  • Feb 17 The Life of Discipleship, Part 8: Sharing Our Faith
  • Feb 3 1 Corinthians: Chapter 15 (verses 20–36)
  • Jan 20 The Life of Discipleship, Part 7: Serving God by Serving Others
  • Dec 16 1 Corinthians: Chapter 15 (verses 1–19)
  • Dec 2 The Life of Discipleship, Part 6: Love for Others
  • Nov 11 1 Corinthians: Chapter 14 (verses 26–40)
  • Oct 28 The Life of Discipleship, Part 5: Seeking First His Kingdom
  • Oct 14 1 Corinthians: Chapter 14 (verses 1–25)
  • Sep 30 The Life of Discipleship, Part 4: Relationship with God
   

Learn more

Beliefs

More…

  • The Family International (TFI) is an international online Christian community committed to sharing the message of God’s love with people around the globe. We believe that everyone can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, which affords happiness and peace of mind, as well as the motivation to help others and to share the good news of His love.

Mission

More…
  • The primary goal of the Family International is to improve the quality of life of others by sharing the life-giving message of love, hope, and salvation found in God’s Word. We believe that God's love—applied on a practical level to our daily lives—is the key to resolving many of society's problems, even in the complex and fast-paced world of today. Through imparting the hope and guidance found in the Bible’s teachings, we believe that we can work toward building a better world—changing the world, one heart at a time.

Values

More…

  • Living “as unto Him”

    We put our faith into action and reach out to weary and troubled hearts, the disadvantaged, downtrodden, and needy, as unto Jesus.

About TFI

TFI Online is a community site for members of The Family International. TFI is an international Christian fellowship committed to sharing the message of God’s love with people around the globe.

Visit our main website if you would like to know more about what TFI is all about.

If you are a TFI member, sign in to view more content.

Latest Series

More…
1 and 2 Thessalonians
A study of Paul’s epistles to the Thessalonians and how these teachings apply today.
The Heart of It All: Foundations of Christian Theology
A book compiled from a series of articles covering the basics of Christian doctrine.
Living Christianity
Applying the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives and decisions.