The Book of God's Love | Pr John Warton | Jun 8, 2025

The Bible: The Book of Love

A Message by Ps. John warton

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1. The heart of the Bible is love

The Bible is not primarily a book of rules, theology, history, or religious practices—it is a book of love. Every page points to a God who desires relationship with us, who created us out of love, and who gave everything to restore that relationship.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

(John 3:16)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

(Jeremiah 31:3)

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2. God’s love is personal and intentional

God’s love is not generic. He knows me, sees me, and values me individually. He designed me uniquely, gave me a fingerprint no one else has, and has pursued me since the beginning.

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me… I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

(Psalm 139:1,14)

“Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

(Luke 12:7)

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3. The first and greatest commandment is to love God

Love doesn’t stop at being received—it must be returned. The greatest response to God’s love is to love Him with all of who I am.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

(Matthew 22:37)

“We love because he first loved us.”

(1 John 4:19)

Loving God grows when I reflect on His creation—the vastness of the universe and the detail of my own body. The more I see what He made, the more my heart responds with love.

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4. The second commandment is to love others deeply

Loving my neighbor is not optional—it’s the natural outflow of knowing God’s love. I am called to love others with the same compassion, sacrifice, and intentionality I give myself.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

(Matthew 22:39)

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

(Philippians 2:4)

This love must be visible—in words, actions, and presence. Whether it’s helping a stranger, comforting a friend, or affirming someone who feels forgotten, real love takes initiative.

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5. Knowing I am loved transforms everything

God spoke love over Jesus before He began His ministry—before He healed, preached, or performed any miracle. In the same way, I am not loved because of what I do, but because of who I am in Christ.

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

(Matthew 3:17)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

(Romans 8:1)

Whether I am in the lowest place like the Jordan River or on the highest mountain like the Mount of Transfiguration, I am loved. My value doesn’t fluctuate with my performance.

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6. Believing God’s love changes how I live

It’s not enough to know I’m loved—I must believe it. Believing I’m loved casts out fear, gives me confidence, and launches me into the life God created me to live.

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love.”

(1 John 4:16)

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

(1 John 4:18)

When I believe I am loved, I am free to love others, to walk in obedience, to resist temptation, and to serve with joy. I don’t strive to earn love—I live from the love already given.

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Conclusion

The Bible is truly a book of love—from Genesis to Revelation. It tells the story of a Father who created me, a Savior who redeemed me, and a Spirit who empowers me. God’s love defines my worth, shapes my identity, and fuels my purpose.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

(1 Corinthians 13:13)

“Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

(Ephesians 5:2)

I am loved. You are loved. This changes everything.