Lavish Love
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Love is one of the most overused words in our world today. We say we love coffee, our favorite TV show, or a new song we just heard. But when the Bible speaks of love, it describes something far deeper, richer, and more powerful than just a warm feeling or preference.
God’s love is lavish—extravagant, sacrificial, and boundless. And this love, as expressed through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is the model for how we are to love others.
God’s Love: More Than We Can Imagine
The word lavished means more than enough, poured out in abundance, freely given without hesitation. This is the kind of love God has for us.
From the very beginning, God’s love has been overwhelming in its depth. The Apostle John reminds us: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).
The Old Testament speaks many times of God’s steadfast love for His people. In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Even when Israel turned away, God remained faithful, offering love and restoration time and time again.
The New Testament takes this love even further, showing that God’s love is not just an abstract concept—it’s embodied in Jesus Christ.
Jesus: The Ultimate Expression of Love
Jesus is the clearest and most perfect picture of God’s love. His life, death, and resurrection reveal love in action. Paul writes: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). This kind of love is sacrificial—it gives without expecting anything in return.
Jesus Himself taught about lavish love in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The father in the story, representing God, does not just forgive his wayward son; he runs to him, embraces him, and throws a feast in his honor. This is the heart of God—always ready to welcome us back with arms wide open, no matter how far we’ve strayed.
Jesus also modeled how we should love one another. In John 13:34-35, He gives a new command: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus’ love was not just kind words but tangible actions—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, washing His disciples’ feet, and ultimately laying down His life.
The Holy Spirit: Empowering Us to Love
Loving others the way Jesus loved isn’t easy. In fact, on our own, it’s impossible. That’s why God gave us the Holy Spirit—to fill us with His love and enable us to love beyond our natural capacity.
Romans 5:5 tells us, “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” When we allow the Spirit to work in us, we begin to love with patience, kindness, and grace, just as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This kind of love is not self-seeking – it seeks the best for others, even when it’s hard.
The Spirit also convicts us when we fall short. Maybe we struggle to forgive, to be patient, or to extend love to those who seem unlovable. But the Spirit gently reminds us that we were once recipients of undeserved love ourselves.
How We Can Show Lavish Love
Since we are loved lavishly, we are called to love lavishly in return. Jesus made this clear when He said: “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8). Here are some ways we can put this into practice:
Love through forgiveness. We have been forgiven much (Ephesians 4:32). When we forgive, we reflect God’s mercy.
Love through generosity. Whether with our time, resources, or encouragement, giving freely shows God’s abundant love (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Love without condition. Jesus loved sinners, outcasts, and enemies. We are called to love beyond comfort and convenience (Luke 6:27-28).
Love by serving. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). When we serve, we imitate Him.
Love even when it’s hard. Love is not always a feeling; sometimes it’s a choice. Choosing love in difficult moments is a testimony of Christ in us (Colossians 3:14).
Living in Lavish Love
God’s love is not stingy. It’s not limited. It’s lavish! God’s love has been poured into our lives so that we might overflow with it. Ephesians 3:17-19 encourages us to be “rooted and established in love” and to grasp how wide, long, high, and deep the love of Christ is.
When we truly understand and experience His love, we cannot help but reflect it to others.
The world is desperate for real love—not fleeting emotions, but love that’s patient, kind, selfless, and sacrificial. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to be vessels of that love. Live each day as bearers of God’s lavish love, sharing it freely and without limit, just as He has done for us.
May God continuously lead your path.