1 John 4:8 "The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love." A simple statement - but what a vein of gold we see running through the whole Bible.

God loved us before the earth was created, for the Lamb that was slain for us was there before the foundations were laid. He lovingly designed a universe of beauty for us that we may gaze upon it and see in proxy, the beauty of the One who delights in giving us every good thing. He put love in the hearts of men- that of a father, mother, brother, sister, wife, son, daughter, friend. Yet His Love for us far transcends these. He loved us when our skin was black with sin and drew us with cords of love to Himself. He loved us so, that the Son decided to take on our form for all eternity, and die for us. He lovingly intercedes for us before the throne to keep us saved, and to forward our petitions. He loves to give all creation their daily bread, and bears with us even when we trespass against Him. Beyond this life, He has stored up for us glories for all eternity, a place in Heaven, and even more.

His children therefore are like Him. His Love shines from their spirit, to their fellow man, and looks upward to reflect that love back to Him. His injunction throughout all scripture is to Love Him and His children!

"For I am persuaded, that neither death; nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Now, soul, is not thy love refreshed? Does not this make thee love Jesus? Doth not a flight through illimitable plains of the ether of love inflame thy heart and compel thee to delight thyself in the Lord thy God? Surely as we meditate on "the love of the Lord," our hearts burn within us, and we long to love him more