Topical Bible: The Love of God: Constraining

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The concept of the constraining love of God is a profound theme in Christian theology, emphasizing how God's love compels and guides believers in their faith and actions. This divine love is not merely an abstract idea but a powerful force that influences the lives of those who experience it.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul articulates the constraining nature of God's love in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 : "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again." Here, Paul underscores that the love of Christ is a driving force that compels believers to live not for themselves but for Christ. This compelling love is rooted in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, which transforms the believer's purpose and direction in life.

The Nature of Constraining Love

The constraining love of God is characterized by its ability to direct and influence the believer's will and actions. It is not coercive but rather persuasive, drawing individuals into a deeper relationship with God and aligning their desires with His will. This love is transformative, leading to a life of obedience and service. In Romans 5:5 , Paul writes, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a testament to the active presence of God's love, which shapes and molds the believer's heart.

Implications for Christian Living

The constraining love of God has significant implications for how Christians live their lives. It calls for a response of love, devotion, and commitment to God and others. In John 14:15 , Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This verse highlights the connection between love and obedience, suggesting that true love for God naturally results in a desire to follow His commandments.

Moreover, the constraining love of God fosters a sense of unity and community among believers. In Colossians 3:14 , Paul writes, "And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." Love serves as the binding force that holds the Christian community together, promoting harmony and mutual support.

The Love of God in Action

The constraining love of God is not passive but active, manifesting in acts of kindness, compassion, and service. In 1 John 3:18 , believers are exhorted, "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This call to action reflects the dynamic nature of God's love, which moves beyond mere words to tangible expressions of care and concern for others.

The constraining love of God also empowers believers to endure trials and challenges. In Romans 8:35-37 , Paul assures, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." The assurance of God's unwavering love provides strength and courage to face adversity, knowing that nothing can sever the bond between the believer and the Savior.

Conclusion

The constraining love of God is a central tenet of the Christian faith, shaping the believer's identity, purpose, and actions. It is a love that compels, transforms, and sustains, drawing individuals into a deeper relationship with God and inspiring them to live lives of obedience, service, and unity. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, this divine love is poured into the hearts of believers, enabling them to reflect the character of Christ in a world in need of His love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 11:4
I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Love that Constrains
... more remark that I wish to make in reference to this constraining love of Jesus ... Christ
for each, is the great solvent by which the love of God melts men's ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the love that constrains.htm

That Mount Calvary is the Academy of Love.
... of Our Lord is the sweetest and most constraining motive that ... since it is the sovereign
effect of thy love! ... ravish the blessed spirits in the loving of God. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii that mount calvary.htm

The Manifestation of Holy Love.
... the fresh, irresistible waves of Love's own constraining power issuing ... That Love
shone forth as a love for an enemy. Man had become the enemy of God: "There is ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xix the manifestation of holy.htm

What is God's Will?
... No sternness then can enter with the thought, for God's name is in the name, and
the help of God, and the power of God, and the constraining love of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/what is gods will.htm

The Work of Grace a Unit.
... Hence in the constraining desire of divine love for the ... Our knowledge of God is not
complete except we know Him as the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ii the work of grace.htm

On Patience
... Is it anything less than the "perfect love of God," constraining us to love every
soul of man, "even as Christ loved us?" Is it not the whole of religion, the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 83 on patience.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... Romans 5:5) because the love of God is shed ... in your hearts by the Holy Ghost." This
love is the ... The constraining love of Christ flows from this ground, that a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiv now the end.htm

Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
... The Triune God will work it by taking possession of the heart, and dwelling ... His
constraining love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit can bring it and ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xviii entering the covenant .htm

Consecration
... Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given
to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 5 consecration.htm

A Faithful Witness
... That man only who has unselfish love for his brother has true love for God. ... His love
in the heart is a constraining power, which leads men to reveal Him in ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 54 a faithful witness.htm