1 John 4:8 NIV
[8] Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
John’s statement that “God is love” is often overlooked by Christians and non-Christians alike. This single phrase differentiates Christianity from all other religions. There are approximately 10,000 different religious and spiritual beliefs out there, and not one has ever claimed God is love, except for Christianity.
Our God is not like any other god in all of creation. Our God left the splendor of heaven to save us and redeem us from our sin. He didn’t just leave us up to our own devices. No. He came to us and gave Himself for us. Why? Because God is love.
He doesn’t just do acts of love. He doesn’t just say words of love. This idea of a God whose very nature is love, rather than just one who acts lovingly, separates our God from all other gods. There is no one like Him.
Out of thousands of religious and spiritual belief systems, Christianity alone explicitly states that God is love in an ontological sense—meaning that love is not just something God does, but what He is at His very core. That kind of claim is profound. This idea is so central to Christian theology, shaping everything from the doctrine of the Trinity (a God who is relational within Himself) to the Incarnation (God becoming human out of love) and salvation (offered through sacrificial love).
The uniqueness of this concept really sets Christianity apart in a way that makes you stop and think. Our God is often mocked and ridiculed for being human to die for the world, but in reality it is the single greatest example of His nature. Love.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Know His Nature.