Do you think you have a good understanding of God’s love? Most people would probably say yes. In fact, that’s one reason this subject can be difficult to minister on. People hear “God loves you” and think, Oh, I’ve already got that figured out. But the truth is, many don’t really understand God’s kind of love.
We’ve Been Sold a Bill of Goods
There has been so much confusion about what love actually is. Our generation has been sold a counterfeit. You see it in movies, hear it in songs, and find it woven throughout our culture. Lust, emotions, and feelings are often called love. But God’s kind of love is something entirely different.
In the English language, we use the word love for almost everything. We say we love our spouse, we love our dog, and we love ice cream. The Greek language, which the New Testament was translated from, is much more descriptive. It uses different words for different kinds of love. There’s eros, a sexual kind of love. There’s phileo, brotherly love. And then there’s agape—God’s kind of love.
That distinction matters, because there are people today who talk about God’s love while completely misrepresenting it. Some even teach that God loves you so much that He might allow sickness, tragedy, or suffering to teach you something. That isn’t God’s kind of love.
More Than a Feeling
One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the idea that it’s primarily an emotion. Now, don’t misunderstand me. God’s kind of love certainly involves emotions, but it isn’t driven by emotions. That’s a major difference.
Many people talk about “falling in love” and “falling out of love”—as though love is something that just happens to them. One day it’s there; the next day it’s gone. That isn’t God’s kind of love. God’s love is a choice. It’s a commitment expressed through action.
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.
John 3:16
God’s love moved Him to give. Jesus didn’t go to the cross because He was overwhelmed with emotional feelings. He went to the cross because of a decision. He loved us enough to lay down His life.
The Mortar That Holds Everything Together
Many people refer to 1 Corinthians 13 as the “love chapter,” and for good reason. But it’s important to understand its context. Right before chapter 13, Paul spent an entire chapter talking about the gifts of the Holy Spirit—prophecy, miracles, healing, tongues, words of knowledge, and more. Then he said, “And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31).
Some people read that and conclude that love replaces the gifts. That’s not what Paul was saying. The point is that everything God gives us must operate through love. Love is what holds everything together. It’s the mortar between the bricks. You can have faith, gifts of the Spirit, good works, and knowledge. But if God’s kind of love isn’t holding it all together, you’ve missed the point.
Why Understanding God’s Love Changes Everything
Many believers are struggling to trust God. They’re wondering if He’ll answer their prayers, heal their bodies, provide for their needs, or come through in difficult situations. The root issue often isn’t faith. It’s understanding God’s love. When you truly understand how deeply God loves you, faith becomes a natural response.
When God’s love becomes a reality in your heart, it changes everything. That’s what happens when revelation replaces religion. Many people have been taught that God’s love is conditional. But God doesn’t love you because you’ve earned it or because you’ve become lovely enough. He loves you because He is love.
If this teaching has helped you understand God’s perfect love for you, please visit my website at awmi.net for additional free teachings and resources. If you need prayer, I encourage you to call my Helpline at 719-635-1111, where one of my trained prayer ministers would love to pray with you.
We love you,
Andrew and Jamie Wommack
