Understanding God’s Unconditional Love
Love is one of the most profound concepts we experience in life. But what does it truly mean? As we navigate relationships, faith, and purpose, it’s easy to misunderstand love, especially when culture defines it in so many different ways. In a recent Assembly message, Chris Kohlman, senior pastor at Lakeview Baptist Church and chairman of Ecclesia College’s board, explored the depth of love—both in how we relate to others and in how God relates to us.
Love Is a Choice
At its core, love is not just an emotion. It’s not merely a feeling of affection or attraction. Instead, Chris defined love as choosing the highest good or best for God and others.
This definition moves love beyond fleeting emotions and self-interest. Love is a choice—one that prioritizes others above ourselves. When we love well, we seek what is truly good for someone, even if it requires personal sacrifice.
But where do we learn how to love this way? The greatest example of love is found in God Himself.
God’s Love: Unconditional and Unchanging
In the Greek language, there are multiple words for love, but the Bible primarily uses one to describe God’s love for us: agape. Agape love is unconditional—it has no requirements or limits. It does not depend on our actions, our failures, or even our devotion.
Chris reminded us that many believers—especially in the Bible Belt—unintentionally treat God’s love as if it must be earned. We think that by attending church, reading the Bible, or doing good works, we can make God love us more. But that is not the Gospel.
The truth is this:
- If you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are a new creation.
- You are fully loved by God—right now, as you are.
- There is nothing you can do to make Him love you more or less.
Understanding this truth brings freedom. Instead of striving for love, we can rest in the fact that God already loves us completely. Our acts of faith—prayer, worship, and service—should flow out of gratitude, not an attempt to earn favor.
The Enemy’s Strategy: Doubt, Denial, and Redefinition
If God’s love is so clear, why do we struggle to believe it? The same strategy Satan used in the Garden of Eden is still at work today:
- Doubt God’s Word – “Did God really say…?”
- Deny God’s Truth – “That’s not really what He meant.”
- Redefine Reality – “You can decide what is right for yourself.”
This pattern has played out throughout history. Culture often tries to redefine love, reducing it to a feeling, physical attraction, or personal fulfillment. But true love—biblical love—is about choosing what is best for someone, even when it’s hard.
Chris challenged students to examine their own relationships: Are you stirring others’ affections for Christ, or are you leading them away from Him? Love should point people toward Christ, not pull them from Him.
Can We Trust God’s Love? The Proof in Scripture
One of the greatest assurances of God’s love is His Word. The Bible is not just a collection of random stories—it is a unified message of redemption spanning 66 books, written by 40+ authors, over 1,500 years.
Despite its vast history, the Bible has:
- No contradictions – It presents a consistent message from Genesis to Revelation.
- Archaeological and historical confirmation – Events, cities, and people described in the Bible have been verified.
- Prophetic accuracy – Prophecies written hundreds of years before Jesus were fulfilled in exact detail.
One example Chris shared was the prophecy about King Cyrus in Isaiah 44:28-45:1. Over 100 years before Cyrus was even born, the Bible named him as the ruler who would help rebuild Jerusalem. The accuracy of such prophecies demonstrates that God’s Word is not just inspired—it is divinely orchestrated.
Jesus: The Ultimate Expression of Love
At the heart of Scripture is Jesus Christ, the clearest picture of God’s love for us.
- He left heaven to dwell among us (John 1:14).
- He willingly laid down His life to rescue us (John 15:13).
- His resurrection proves that His love is victorious over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
Chris emphasized that believing in Jesus is not just about securing eternal life—it’s about knowing and experiencing God’s love today. When we accept Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
Responding to God’s Love
So, how should we respond?
- Accept It – Stop striving and receive the love God already offers you.
- Live in It – Let God’s love shape your identity, decisions, and relationships.
- Share It – Love others with the same unconditional love you’ve received.
At the end of his message, Chris read a powerful love letter from God—words compiled from Scripture that remind us of His deep, personal love.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
Whether you are struggling with doubts, feeling distant from God, or wondering if you are truly loved—know this: You are fully known and fully loved by your Creator.