INTRODUCTION

Sometimes the Bible’s first usage of a word offers the greatest insights into the overall usage of the word throughout the scriptures. For instance, today’s verse affords a glimpse into the first use of a form of the word love. This first occurrence is by divine design representing the greatest of truths. This first mention of love reflects the love of a father for his beloved son. Of even greater significance is the fact that despite this father’s love for his son, he was willing to sacrifice him in obedience to his heavenly Father. Bible students have always considered this father and son duo as a wonderful picture of the relationship of our heavenly Father (God the Father) to God the Son. The first mention of the word love is a father’s love for his son and the first love ever was the love of God the Father for God the Son (John 15:9As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
See All...; John 17:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
See All..., 26). Only the Lord could orchestrate such wonderful and profound truths.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God the Father loves God the Son. When we receive Jesus as our Saviour, God the Father accepts us as part of His family and we are called the sons of God (John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
  See All...). What wonderful love He has for us.
• (For everyone): God is love (1 John 4:8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
  See All...). Before God ever loved man, God the Father and God the Son shared a love in eternity past. What does this mean for believers (see John 17:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
  See All...)?
• If God is love, and He is, the moment He ceases to be love, He would cease to be God. What does this suggest about God’s motive in all of His works throughout eternity (past and future)?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for His love.
• Ask God to teach you how to love as He loves.

HYMN

This Is My Father's World

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