“I can only give you love that lasts forever…”

In 1 John chapter 4, the Bible describes that God is love. And in terms of God, love isn’t just a noun or a verb, it’s His very essence. God can’t not love.

Which brings us to today’s song…

That’s All, written by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes. Recording by Bobby Darin.

The lyrics describe a love that is never-ending, stays consistent in all seasons, and is different from what others promise. And it’s a good reminder of how God describes His love for us in Scripture.

Here’s what we can take away:

1) God’s love is completely yours.

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

1 John 4:15-16

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, you and I can have abundant life resting in His unconditional love. And it wasn’t just a one-time thing! God is with you every single day, which means His love is near to you in every moment.

2) God’s love is the fuel that powers your life.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:9-10

God loved you first! Whether it’s spring, summer, winter, or fall, God’s love sustains and holds you. You don’t have to worry about being let down, ignored, or not loved in return because His love has and always will be there.

3) God’s love is greater than what the world offers.

This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:17-18

You don’t earn God’s love by following Him, rather, you follow Him in response to His epic affection for you. And as you get to know Him, God’s love transforms you into someone who lives and loves like Jesus. Trusting Him and getting to know Him might feel scary at first, but as you walk closer together, you’ll see that God is altogether trustworthy.