BIBLE STUDY: GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Everyone wants to be cherished. But human devotion isn’t always dependable. Even the most stable
relationships change over time, according to how the lovers feel, the way they treat each other, and
whether life is stressful or not.
We can be thankful that God’s love is quite different. Let’s look at a few principles that describe His
amazing affection for people.

1. God’s love is intrinsic to His nature. First John tells us God is the source of love (1 John 4:7). It also
reveals that love is not only one of the Creator’s fundamental character traits—He is love in His very
being (1 John 4:8).

 When you think of the Lord, do you picture Him as loving? Explain.
 Contrary to the world’s mindset, the fact that “God is love” does not mean Him “winks
at” or excuses sin (Rom. 6:23). However, He forgives us if we are humble enough to ask.

2. God’s love is universal. He has compassion on both believers and unbelievers.

While on earth, Jesus perfectly illustrated the Father’s nature and character. One surprising fact is that
He befriended “tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 7:34). These two groups of people were despised and
avoided by godly Jews of Jesus’ day. Why? Tax collectors often exploited their fellow countrymen by
requiring more payment than was actually due to Rome. “Sinners” were those who scoffed at God’s law,
failed to participate in temple rituals, and/or made money by sinful means. Jesus didn’t just preach to
these people—He actually enjoyed their company ... and they enjoyed His.

 According to John 3:16, what motivated God to send Jesus to earth?

 Has God given you a love for those who don’t yet know Him? If not, ask Him to fill you
with a genuine love for them and to show you how to share His love.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in
Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born on earth and die on a cross. Why?
We are all sinners and the Bible says the consequence of sin is death, eternal separation from God.
There is nothing we can do to make us “good enough” for heaven.

But God made a way. Christ lived a perfect, blameless life and provided the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
He died in our place.

It is only by God’s grace—His undeserved mercy—that we can have eternal life with Him in heaven. All
we have to do is have faith, to believe Christ died for us and ask Him to forgive our sins. Would you like
assurance that you’re going to heaven?
Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus said, “I came that they may have
life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10). But here’s the problem:

Step 2 – Man is sinful and separated from God.

We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The result of sin is death, spiritual separation
from God (Romans 6:23). The good news?

Step 3 – God sent His Son to die for your sins!

Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever. “God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans
5:8). But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives! “Christ died for our sins.
… He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the
Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

Step 4 – Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?

We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All
you have to do is believe you are a sinner, which Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then
turn from your sins—that are called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to
Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest praying the following prayer to accept
Christ as your Savior:

"Dear God,
I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.
I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died
for my sin and that you raised Him to life.
I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord,
from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will.
I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."

3. God’s love is unconditional. Unlike earthly affection, His love doesn’t fluctuate. The Father doesn’t
care for us more when we have pleased Him or less when we have failed or sinned.

 After a period of spiritual dryness, do you have less confidence that God will answer your
prayers because you don’t “deserve” His blessing?

 Do you believe your performance makes the Father love you more? Explain.

 What encouragement does Romans 5:8 offer to those who feel God loves them less when
they fail?
4. God’s love is sacrificial. Jesus Christ surrendered His life on the cross so that we might have eternal
life and enjoy fellowship with God while we are still living on earth. Jesus’ motivation was love for
mankind.

 John 15:13 teaches, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his
friends.” What was Jesus trying to tell His disciples?

 How does the concept of sacrificial love encourage you to relate differently to those you
love the most?
 John 15:13

 Greater love hath no man than this

By these words our Lord shows, how far love to another should extend, even to the laying down
of our lives for the brethren; which is the highest instance of love among men;
 that a man lay down his life for his friends;
and in which believers, should not come short of them; and also his great love to his people, and
explains what he had just said, "as I have loved you", ( John 13:34 ) ( 15:12 ) ; which in a little time
would be seen, by his laying down his life for them: for he not only came down from heaven, and
laid aside his glory and royal majesty, but he laid down his life; not his gold and silver, and the
riches of this world, which were all his, but his life; than which, nothing is dearer to a man, is
himself, his all: and besides, Christ's life was not a common one, it was not the life of an
innocent person only, or the life of a mere man, but of a man in union with the Son of God; it
was the Lord of glory and Prince of life, who was crucified, and slain; a life that was entirely at
his own dispose; it had never been forfeited by sin, nor could it have been forced away from him
by men or devils;
5. God’s love is contagious. When we walk in close fellowship with Christ, God’s love flows through
us to those around us. The Holy Spirit fills us so we can extend unconditional love to others (Rom. 5:5).

 “The one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). What do
you think it means to “abide in love?”

 Does this phrase describe you? Why or why not?

6. God’s love is motivating. When we learn to set our minds on God’s affection, we have a greater
ability to overcome sin. Instead of indulging fleshly desires, we allow His Spirit to guide us (Rom. 8:5).

Sin is often an attempt to meet legitimate needs apart from God. This means at the root of almost every
transgression is a genuine need for comfort, peace, acceptance, approval, love, and so forth.

 Think about one of your habitual sins. What needs do you attempt to fulfill through this
particular sin?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the amazing love You extend to me. Forgive me for not believing the
truth about who You are. I pray for a life-transforming revelation of Your affection for me so that I
might relate to You and others in a fresh way. Amen.
GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

LOVE means: ______________________________________________________

Types of Loves

Eros:_____________________________________________________________________________________
Storge:___________________________________________________________________________________
Philia:____________________________________________________________________________________
Agape:___________________________________________________________________________________

1. God’s love is intrinsic to His nature.

 When you think of the Lord, do you picture Him as loving? Explain.
 Contrary to the world’s mindset, the fact that “God is love” does not mean Him “winks at”
or excuses sin (Rom. 6:23). However, He forgives us if we are humble enough to ask.

2. God’s love is universal

 According to John 3:16, what motivated God to send Jesus to earth?
 Has God given you a love for those who don’t yet know Him? If not, ask Him to fill you
with a genuine love for them and to show you how to share His love.

3. God’s love is unconditional.

 After a period of spiritual dryness, do you have less confidence that God will answer your
prayers because you don’t “deserve” His blessing?
 Do you believe your performance makes the Father love you more? Explain.
 What encouragement does Romans 5:8 offer to those who feel God loves them less when
they fail?

4. God’s love is sacrificial.

 John 15:13 teaches, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his
friends.” What was Jesus trying to tell His disciples?
 How does our Savior’s description of love contrast with the world?
 How does the concept of sacrificial love encourage you to relate differently to those you
love the most?

5. God’s love is contagious.

 “The one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). What do
you think it means to “abide in love?”
 Does this phrase describe you? Why or why not?

6. God’s love is motivating.

 Think about one of your habitual sins. What needs do you attempt to fulfill through this
particular sin?
GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

What do you know about Love?

Love as a word describes an emotion with vastly differing degrees of intensity. We can say we love ice
cream and chocolate, and we can pledge our love to a husband or wife until our dying breath.

Love is one of the most powerful emotions we can experience. Humans crave love from the moment
of existence. And the Bible tells us that God is love. For Christian believers, love is the true test of
genuine faith.

Four unique forms of love are found in the Bible.

They are communicated through four Greek words: Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape.

We'll explore these different types of love characterized by romantic love, family love, brotherly love,
and God's divine love. As we do, we'll discover what love really means, and how to follow Jesus Christ's
command to "love one another."

What Is Eros Love in the Bible?

Eros (Pronounced: AIR-ohs) is the Greek word for sensual or romantic love. Eros was the Greek God
of love and sexual desire. He was shooting golden arrows into the hearts of both mortals and
immortals without warning. The Greeks feared that kind of love the most because it was dangerous and
could get them into the most trouble. Eros is defined as divine beauty or lust. Eros is mainly based
on sexual attraction and it is where the term “erotica” came from.

Example of Eros love: A young couple that meets and immediately feels attracted, and lustful,
towards one another.

What Is Storge Love in the Bible?

Storge (Pronounced: STOR-jay) is a term for love in the Bible that you may not be familiar with. This
Greek word describes family love, the affectionate bond that develops naturally between parents
and children, and brothers and sisters. Many examples of family love are found in Scripture, such as
the mutual protection among Noah and his wife, the love of Jacob for his sons, and the strong love the
sisters Martha and Mary had for their brother Lazarus. It is a kind of family and friendship love.
Storge is the love parents naturally feel for their children. It’s based on natural feelings and
effortless love. Storge is the love that knows forgiveness, acceptance and sacrifice. It is the one
that makes you feel secure, comfortable and safe.

Example of Storge love: Think about the kind of love your mother gives you, or your very best
friend. It is rooted in friendship, and understanding, but there is also a deep emotional
connection there.
What Is Philia Love in the Bible?

Philia (Pronounced: FILL-ee-uh) is the type of intimate love in the Bible that most Christians practice
toward each other. This Greek term describes the powerful emotional bond seen in deep friendships.
Philia is the most general type of love in Scripture, encompassing love for fellow humans, care, respect,
and compassion for people in need. The concept of brotherly love that unites believers is unique to
Christianity.

Also known as brotherly love, Philia represents the sincere and platonic love. The kind of love
you have for your brother or a really good friend. It was more valuable and more cherished
than Eros. Philia exists when people share the same values and dispositions with someone and
the feelings are reciprocated.

Example of Philia love: Two friends talk about how deeply they understand each other, and
how that security and openness causes them to feel comfortable and taken care of.

What Is Agape Love in the Bible?

Agape (Pronounced: Uh-GAH-pay) is the highest of the four types of love in the Bible. This term
defines God's immeasurable, incomparable love for humankind. It is the divine love that comes from
God. Agape love is perfect, unconditional, sacrificial, and pure. Jesus Christ demonstrated this kind of
divine love to his Father and to all humanity in the way he lived and died. More »

This is an unconditional love that sees beyond the outer surface and accepts the recipient for whom
he/she is, regardless of their flaws, shortcomings or faults. It’s the type of love that everyone strives to
have for their fellow human beings. Although you may not like someone, you decide to love them just
as a human being. This kind of love is all about sacrifice as well as giving and expecting nothing in
return. The translation of the word agape is love in the verb – form: it is the love demonstrated by your
behavior towards another person. It is a committed and chosen love.

How to Love Like Jesus

Love Like Jesus

All of us want to love like Jesus. We want to be generous, forgiving, and compassionate enough to love
people unconditionally. But no matter how hard we try, somehow we fall short. Our humanness gets in
the way. We can love, but we can't do it perfectly. Learn the secret to loving like Jesus by abiding in
him.

God is love

'God is love' is a famous Bible verses speaking of God's loving nature. Love is not merely an attribute of
God, but his very essence. Not only is he loving, he is fundamentally love. God alone loves in the
completeness and perfection of love.