Topical Bible: The Love of God: Exhibited in Drawing Us to Himself

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The love of God is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, manifesting in His desire to draw humanity into a relationship with Himself. This divine love is not passive but actively seeks to reconcile and restore the broken relationship between God and mankind. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how God's love is exhibited in His efforts to draw us to Himself.

God's Initiative in Love

God's love is proactive, initiating the process of drawing us to Him. In 1 John 4:19, it is written, "We love because He first loved us." This verse underscores the foundational truth that God's love precedes our response. His love is the catalyst that enables us to love Him in return. The initiative of God's love is further exemplified in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, as a means of reconciliation. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This sacrificial act is the ultimate demonstration of God's love, drawing humanity to Himself through the promise of eternal life.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in drawing individuals to God. In John 16:8, Jesus explains the work of the Spirit: "When He comes, He will convict the world regarding sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit's conviction is an expression of God's love, as it leads individuals to recognize their need for a Savior and to turn towards God. Furthermore, the Spirit acts as a guide and comforter, drawing believers into a deeper relationship with God. Romans 8:14 states, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." This leading is an ongoing process of drawing believers closer to the heart of God.

God's Patience and Kindness

God's love is also exhibited in His patience and kindness, as He draws us to Himself. 2 Peter 3:9 reveals, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God's patience is an expression of His love, allowing time for individuals to respond to His call. His kindness is further highlighted in Romans 2:4, which states, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" This kindness is a gentle yet powerful force that draws us to repentance and reconciliation with God.

The Call to Relationship

God's love is not merely about saving us from sin but inviting us into a personal relationship with Him. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus extends an invitation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." This imagery of fellowship and communion illustrates the intimate relationship God desires with each individual. The love of God is not distant or abstract but personal and relational, drawing us into a life-transforming connection with Him.

The Response of Faith

While God's love initiates the drawing process, it requires a response of faith from individuals. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the necessity of faith: "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is the means by which we respond to God's love, accepting His invitation to draw near. This response is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and commitment to God, resulting in a transformed life.

Conclusion

The love of God, as exhibited in drawing us to Himself, is a profound and multifaceted theme in the Bible. Through His initiative, the work of the Holy Spirit, His patience and kindness, the call to relationship, and the response of faith, God's love is continually at work, seeking to bring humanity into a restored and eternal relationship with Him.

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 Attractive Force of the Cross.
... completed and perfect; here it is exhibited in that ... Christ, then, draws men chiefly
because God here shows men His sympathy, His love, His trustworthiness ...
/.../iv the attractive force of.htm

Man's Greatness and God's Greatness.
... beyond the grave, when this shall be exhibited in full ... will keep my words, and my
Father will love him, and ... In the question it was asked how God would manifest ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xviii mans greatness and gods.htm

Fourth Day. Holiness and Revelation.
... After having in the flood exhibited His righteous judgment against sin, He calls ...
2. There is a new Theology, which only speaks of the love of God as seen in ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/fourth day holiness and revelation.htm

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
... a vision or covenant was addressed, being exhibited as unable ... of a man, with bands
of love."[660] Hence ... The observing of the other duties of God's Covenant, as ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter x covenanting a privilege.htm

Psalm LXXXVII.
... the Holy Spirit, and with many thoughts of love and longing ... is no longer what it
was: it exhibited the emblem ... to praise and enjoy the presence of God: and what ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvii.htm

On Marriage.
... no other joy than this, that it exhibited to us ... Where the manifold blessings which
God has associated with this ... Church is to Christ; where this love is always ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/vii on marriage.htm

Different Degrees of Knowledge.
... If, then, the love of knowledge produces immortality, and leads the kingly man ... For
the Son of God is the person of the truth which is exhibited; and the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xv different degrees of knowledge.htm

1 John iii. 10
... This is exhibited in the difference of their bearing towards the Gospel ... recognized:
"He that doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he ... Brotherly-Love. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 10.htm

Against Marcionists and Manich??ans.
... ineffectual, it is the demonstration of the love of God ... their own will to the will
of God: even as ... when he had been instructed practically exhibited both these ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against marcionists and manichaeans.htm

Rom. I. 28
... because they required not a law, and yet exhibited all the ... But since we love Him
not, we know not the greatness ... And yet what has God not done, to be beloved of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v rom i 28.htm