God is love.

We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:16b, 19 NLV

My oldest son’s favorite movie as a little boy was (and still is!) Toy Story. In the movie the character, Buzz Lightyear, is famous for the phrase, “To infinity and beyond…!” My sweet son took that phrase and used it to try and describe how much he loved me – “to infinity and beyond…”, and I would respond by telling him, “I love you more…”

The truth is that God loves all of us even more than that! It is unfathomable to think of the magnitude of God’s love for us. He is the definition of love, and He loved you and me before He created the earth and everything in it. He loved us before the beginning of time and will continue to love us into eternity…and beyond!

God’s love is the source of all human love, and He is the only reason we are able to love others. His love does not fade over time. It doesn’t change depending upon His mood, and it definitely does not disappear if we make a mistake… or multiple mistakes. His love is forgiving, kind, compassionate and eternal. The way we love others is a true testament to our love for God. How we treat the people around us – family members, neighbors, friends, co-workers, store clerks, even strangers – is evidence of our love for our Heavenly Father. By allowing our hearts to be filled with His love, we can in turn love others around us with His divine love.

God loves you – to eternity and beyond!