Quote:
Originally Posted by RiverMorgaine
1 John 4:8 says, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
In the Greek, that word for "love" is "agape." Agape is a term that means selfless love, unconditional love, self-sacrificing love.
The same word, agape, is translated as "love" in John 3:16, Matthew 5:43-46, Matthew 22:37-40, and many other places in scripture. In some places it is also translated as "charity" ( 1 Corinthians 13:1-8).
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There are also other words for love in the Greek. Brotherly love (phileo) and romantic love (eros) are just another two.
Further, if one investigates the Bible in its fulness, it is quick to reveal that God does have standards and conditions that He places upon man. This is because He has many other aspects to His character. It is as much a mistake to place an exclusive foccus on His love as it is on His judgment.
Further, there are as many or more verses that discuss His judgment and wrath as there are for His love and mercy.
God is holy, and anything that violates holiness is sin and carries a death penalty. God demonstrated His love for us by coming to abide with us in the flesh, dying on the cross, rising from the tomb, and then coming to abide in the hearts of those who are willing to hear His Words gladly.
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