God's Love in Action

Matthew Akinola

Hello, and welcome to today's episode of Eternal Words. am Matthew, I hope you're doing well. It's always such a blessing to have this time with you to dig into Scripture and reflect on God’s beautiful words. You know, I sometimes think about how, despite the complexities of life, there’s a simplicity in faith that truly anchors us. And today, we’re going to explore something foundational, yet so profound—the love of God in action.

Matthew Akinola

Now, if you think about Bible verses that have made an imprint on the hearts of believers around the world, I’m sure one verse comes to mind pretty quickly: John 3:16. It’s often described as the essence of the Gospel, a verse that encapsulates the depth and breadth of God’s love. But what makes it so special? And how does it invite us to live a life that reflects His love? These are some of the thoughts we’ll unpack today.

Matthew Akinola

If you have your Bible with you, feel free to open to John Chapter 3 as we look at verses 16 through 18. Allow these words to sink in as we listen: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

Matthew Akinola

is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, but its message is so deep that we often rush past its true meaning. —this isn’t just a casual or sentimental love. It’s a love so vast, so powerful, that it moves God to action. His love isn’t selective; it embraces the whole world—every person, regardless of background, failures, or struggles. No one is beyond the reach of God’s love. And how did He demonstrate this love? —this was no small sacrifice. God didn’t give something replaceable; He gave His most precious gift. Jesus, His only Son, was sent not just to live among us but to suffer, die, and rise again for our salvation. Love always costs something, and here we see the highest price ever paid. But this gift isn’t forced upon us; it requires a response. Believing in Jesus isn’t just about acknowledging that He exists. It’s about trusting Him completely, and surrendering our lives to Him. True faith changes how we live. Without Him, we face perishing—separation from God. But through Him, we receive eternal life, not just in heaven, but starting now—a restored relationship with God that fills us with peace, purpose, and hope.And then John 3:17 reassures us: Jesus didn’t come to bring judgment but to offer salvation. Some people see God as harsh and condemning, but His heart is for redemption. He invites us into His love, into His grace. So today, will you respond to that love? It’s not just a verse to memorize—it’s an invitation to live transformed, embraced by the greatest love ever known.

Matthew Akinola

To continue our reflection on God's love, let’s turn our attention now to one of the most beautiful passages in Scripture—1 Corinthians 13:4-8. If you haven’t read it recently, it’s truly a treasure that sums up what love really looks like. Let me read it to you: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

Matthew Akinola

It’s, it’s breathtaking, isn’t it? The way Paul describes love here is so rich, yet so challenging. I mean, when we think about all the ways love shapes our relationship with God and with others, it’s humbling. Love that is patient and kind, not self-seeking or easily angered—it shows us that true love goes beyond feelings or fleeting emotions. True love acts; it perseveres; it reflects the character of God Himself. And isn’t that what we see in Jesus? His life, His sacrifice—it embodies every word in this passage perfectly.

Matthew Akinola

But, and I think this is important, as much as this passage inspires us, it also calls us higher. It asks us to love in the way God loves us—purely, sacrificially, and without end. And honestly, that’s not always easy, is it? It’s not always our instinct to be patient when we’re frustrated, or kind when we feel hurt. But through Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in us, we’re empowered to grow in this love, to reflect His love more and more—not just in words, but in deeds.

Matthew Akinola

So, as we wrap up today’s episode, let me leave you with this thought: What might it look like for you to live out this kind of love in your daily life? Maybe it’s extending patience where it’s hard to, or maybe it’s finding small ways to be a reflection of God’s kindness and grace to someone who needs it. Whatever it is, let’s take this journey together, remembering that why we love is because He first loved us, His love also equips us to do so.

Matthew Akinola

And that’s all for today’s episode. It’s been a joy to walk through these Scriptures with you, and my prayer is that you carry these reflections with you throughout the week. Thank you so much for joining me, and until next time, may God’s incredible love guide and sustain you in all things in Jesus name Amen.