“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life cant. The angels cant and the demons cant. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.”
This scripture found in Romans 8:38 perfectly encapsulates the theme of love woven throughout the New Testament. It reiterates the concept of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, which proved to be the most dramatic show of love the world has ever seen. This theme of love is developed throughout the Gospels and Epistles beginning with Christ’s birth in a manger in the opening verses of Matthew, and culminating with the ramifications of his death in Revelation. Love is woven throughout all the books of the New Testament in such a way that it displays an element of perfection that we can attain.
In the Gospels we see the thread of love in the following ways:
• Love comes in a manger, not a palace
• Love comes to serve, not to be served
• Love feeds the hungry; it doesn’t deprive or withhold
• Love heals the sick, it does not infect
• Love doesn’t come to give rules and regulations, it comes to turn water into wine and give a good time
• Love doesn’t teach with theology, but with stories and parables so anyone can understand
An example of unwavering love is seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-24. A boy begs and pleads for his inheritance until his father acquiesces; he leaves home and squanders his savings on partying and a frivolous lifestyle. When he is left without a friend or place to stay and realizes his mistake, he crestfallenly trudges the miles back to his father to beg for forgiveness. When his father catches sight of his lost son, he runs with arms wide open and not only welcomes him back, but throws a party in his honor. No matter how bad the mess up, it’s never too bad for the Father to eagerly welcome you back with open arms.
In Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and 1 & 2 Timothy love is revealed in the ways God tries to connect us with His Sprit.
• In Acts, love is evident in the manifest presence of God. When you’re in love with someone, is there any greater gift than your presence? “And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
• In Romans love is shown by God giving us the possibility of righteousness… being right with God and getting to feel his peace and joy as a result. “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus has done for us.” (Romans 5:1)
• In 1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and 1 & 2 Timothy, God reveals his love through the gifts of joy, peace, and encouragement. “And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7)
In Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Hebrews love is prominent by the strength and endurance God provides amongst hardships.
• Philippians 4:13 tells us, “For I can do everything with the help of Christ.”
• Colossians reveals love in the way God provides freedom from religion—giving each person the opportunity for an authentic, dynamic love relationship with Jesus himself.
• Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen.” What better way to demonstrate your love for someone than by blessing them with the substance of faith to hold on to in rough patches.
The culmination of love appears in the two final books in the New Testament; Jude and Revelation.
• In Jude, love is displayed in sympathy and compassion when in verse 24 it says “God is able to keep you from stumbling.”
• The final act of love is seen in Revelation 21:4 “God will wipe every tear from his child’s eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This theme of love which is woven throughout all 27 books of the New Testament reveals the dedication and passion of God towards His people, and shows that He will stop at nothing to convey his loving and forgiving personality.
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