He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (I John 4:8).
True love, Gods kind of love, is defined in the great love chapter, I Corinthians 13. Thus, it is instructive to see how He exhibited the love He expects us to show.
Charity suffereth long (13:4). The Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). And is kind (13:4). I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD (Jeremiah 9:24). Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up (13:4). God has no need to boast. What He is and Who He is boasts itself: I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8). Seeketh not her own (13:5). Jesus also said, For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me (John 6:38). Is not easily provoked (13:5). The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (Psalm 103:8). Thinketh no evil (13:5). As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12). Rejoiceth not in iniquity (13:6). For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness (Psalm 5:4).
Beareth all things (13:7). He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth (Isaiah 53:7). Endureth all things (13:7). Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps (I Peter 2:21). Charity never faileth (13:8). The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). CJH