Chapter 27—God’s Love
God Is Love—“God is love” (
1 John 4:16
). His nature, His law,
is love. It ever has been; it ever will be. “The high and lofty One
that inhabiteth eternity” (
Isaiah 57:15
), whose “ways are everlasting”
(
Habakkuk 3:6
), changeth not. With Him “is no variableness, neither
shadow of turning” (
James 1:17
).
Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite
love. The sovereignty of God involves fullness of blessing to all created
beings....
The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the
time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the
total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration of God’s unchanging
love.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 33
(1890).
God’s Love Demonstrated in Nature—Nature and revelation
alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life,
of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of
nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness,
not only of man but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain,
that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all
speak to us of the Creator’s love. It is God who supplies the daily
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needs of all His creatures....
“God is love” is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire
of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their
happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming
the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living
green—all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His
desire to make His children happy.—
Steps to Christ, 9, 10
(1892).
Commandments Based on Principle of Love—The precepts of
the Decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they were given for the
instruction and government of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive,
and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellowman;
and all [are] based upon the great fundamental principle of love.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 305
(1890).
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