Exodus 20: 6
But I lavish my love on those who love Me and obey My commands, even for a thousand generations.
I John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ...
The Cambridge Dictionary defines "lavish" as, "spending, giving or using more than is necessary or reasonable; more than enough."
God "lavishes" His love on those who love Him, even calling them His own children. And He doesn't limit it at all, but is willing to "lavish" His love on even a thousand generations of people, if only they would all acknowledge Him and accept what He has done.
God is love. Love is the very Nature of God. Everything God does comes from His love; His love of the Father for His Son, and the Son for the Father, and the Spirit, too. Our God is a community of Love!
That's why He wants us to love Him back. When we do, then we will want to do what He wants for us, and obey His commands. And we will also love one another the way God loves us. This is what will show that we are His disciples, our love for one another.
"To live above with those we love,
Oh won't that be glory!
But to live below with those we know,
Now, that's a different story!"
God loves us unconditionally, His agape love; and that's how we are to love one another, continually giving the benefit of the doubt and forgiving one another; even as we also have received forgiveness from God.
This is impossible in our fleshly nature--we tend to hold grudges, and not even like some people who aggravate us or offend us. But love isn't liking, it's respecting and wanting the very best for the other, regardless of the cost to us. This we can only do in the power of God's Holy Spirit living in us.
O my Father, thank You so much for Your great love for me! Thank You so much for sending Your own dear Son to be my Lamb of God, my sacrifice for my sins, that not only covers but takes away my sins. Now I can receive Your love, Father, and love You back. And I can also love other people, too, as You love them.
So often I have heard the stories of how Your children have loved even their enemies, who have seen Your love in them, and been drawn to You, also, to receive that New Life that You give to all Your children, Father, when they are born-again into spiritual, eternal life.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
