God's Love and Salvation from Sin
When Jesus said to love God and our neighbor, He was not giving human beings permission to sin against His word in the name of “love.”
BIBLE
God does not merely act with love; He is love! We need to understand how divine love manifests itself and answer questions about what it means to love God, love our neighbor, how to distinguish God's unconditional love from a license to sin, the importance of obedience, and why sin is still unacceptable even after Jesus' redemptive work on the cross.
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."
1 John 4:16
What Does It Mean to Love God?
Loving God is a response to the revelation of His love for us. God loved us first (1 John 4:19) and demonstrated that love by sending His only Son to save us (John 3:16). Loving God means recognizing Him as Lord of our lives and living in obedience to His commandments (John 14:15).
This love is not just emotional; it is active and involves our mind, heart, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). It manifests itself through worship, trust, and a constant commitment to seeking God's will above our personal desires.
Loving God also means cultivating a relationship with Him through prayer, reading His Word, and meditation. When we put God first, we demonstrate our love and acknowledge that He is worthy of all honor and glory.
What Does It Mean to Love Our Neighbor?
Jesus summed up the entire law in two commandments: to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Loving our neighbor is a natural extension of loving God. When we experience divine love, we are empowered to love others, regardless of who they are.
Loving our neighbor involves compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. "Neighbor" includes our friends, family, strangers, and even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Jesus called us to be light and salt on the earth, reflecting His love through our actions.
Loving our neighbor is also an act of justice and kindness. It means caring for those in need, defending the oppressed, and acting with mercy. When we do this, we honor the image of God in every person.
How Not to Confuse God's Unconditional Love with Permission to Sin?
God’s unconditional love should not be mistaken for permission to live in sin. While God loves us without reservation, He is also holy and just. The apostle Paul addresses this issue in Romans 6:1-2, asking:
"Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
God’s love is transformative. When we understand the depth of this love, we are led to repentance and a changed life. Sin is an offense against God’s holiness and carries serious consequences. God desires us to live in holiness, reflecting His character and rejecting everything that is contrary to His will.
Therefore, God’s unconditional love is an invitation to restoration, not a license to disobey. He calls us to live in a way worthy of the gospel, abandoning sin and submitting to His Word.
Why Obey God?
Obeying God's commands is a direct expression of love for Him. Jesus said:
"If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)
This obedience is not a burden but a privilege. It demonstrates our faith and gratitude for what God has done for us.
Obedience also protects us from the destructive consequences of sin. God's instructions are not arbitrary; they are meant for our well-being and fulfillment. When we follow His ways, we experience peace, joy, and a life that glorifies His name.
Additionally, obedience serves as a testimony to the world. When we live according to God's principles, we show others the transformative impact of His love in our lives.
Why Can't Humans Sin Even Though Jesus Died on the Cross?
Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins and reconcile us with God. His redemptive work is complete and sufficient. However, this does not mean we have the freedom to deliberately sin. Instead, we are called to live in holiness as a response to the grace we have received.
Sin breaks our relationship with God and harms our communion with Him. Even as believers, when we sin, we face the natural consequences of our wrong choices. Moreover, sin does not reflect God’s character and compromises our witness as followers of Christ.
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
Romans 13:10
The cross is not permission to sin but an opportunity to live a new life (Romans 6:4). Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to overcome sin and live in holiness. This process, known as sanctification, is a journey that requires dedication and dependence on God.
Conclusion
God's love is the foundation of our relationship with Him and with others. Loving God is a response to His unconditional love, which transforms us and enables us to love others. However, this love should not be confused with permission to sin. God is holy, and He calls us to live according to His holiness.
Obedience is the way we express our love and gratitude to God. Even with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, sin remains an offense to divine holiness. Therefore, we are called to reject sin and live in holiness, reflecting God's character in our lives.
By understanding God’s loving and holy nature, we are led to live in a way that glorifies His name. This love transforms our relationship with Him, with others, and with ourselves, pointing to the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ.