God's Love and Justice
Sabbath School Lesson 3
To be Pleasing to God
You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.
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> Download the notes for Lesson 3 video here.
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> Download 1st Quarter 2025 Lessons: God's Love and Justice
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1 John 4:7–20 is a profound passage that reveals the centrality of God’s love in the life of a believer. This text explores the origin, nature, and implications of divine love, presenting it as the foundation for human relationships and a defining attribute of God Himself. Verses 7 and 19, in particular, highlight the priority of God’s love and provide a theological framework for understanding how His love shapes our lives.
Verse 7 states, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” This verse establishes that love originates from God. Love is not merely a human emotion or a cultural ideal but a divine attribute intrinsically tied to God’s nature. God is the source and definition of love, and this truth has profound implications for those who belong to Him.
The exhortation to “love one another” is not a suggestion but a command rooted in the believer’s relationship with God. Those who are “born of God”—those who have experienced spiritual rebirth through faith in Christ—exhibit love as evidence of their connection to the divine source. To love is to reflect the character of God and to demonstrate that one “knows” Him in a personal and transformative way. Thus, love is not optional for Christians; it is a central mark of their identity in Christ.
Verse 19 declares, “We love because he first loved us.” This verse emphasizes the priority and initiating nature of God’s love. Human love is always a response to the love that God has already shown. Without His love, we would neither understand what love truly is nor have the capacity to love others genuinely.
God’s love is unconditional, self-giving, and sacrificial. This is most clearly demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As verse 10 explains, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” God’s love is proactive, reaching out to humanity even when we were undeserving. The order is crucial: God loves first. His love is the foundation and the motivation for all Christian love.
The broader context of 1 John 4:7–20 expands on the significance of God’s love:
God’s Love Defines His Nature (Verses 8 and 16): Twice in this passage, John declares that “God is love.” This means that love is not just one of God’s attributes but central to His essence. Everything He does flows from His love. To know God is to encounter His love.
God’s Love Precedes Human Response (Verses 10 and 19): Our ability to love—both God and others—depends entirely on God’s prior action. He took the initiative by loving us first, demonstrating what true love looks like and enabling us to respond in kind.
God’s Love Is Perfected in Us (Verses 12 and 17): As believers love one another, God’s love is “perfected” or brought to its intended goal. This does not imply that God’s love is incomplete but that it reaches its full expression in the mutual love of His people. In this way, believers become vessels of God’s love, demonstrating His presence in the world.
God’s Love Drives Out Fear (Verse 18): God’s perfect love provides security, freeing believers from the fear of judgment. This assurance allows them to love freely and boldly, knowing that they are deeply and unconditionally loved by God.
The priority of God’s love has several practical applications for believers:
Motivation for Loving Others: Believers are called to love others not out of duty or self-interest but as a response to God’s overwhelming love. This love transforms hearts, enabling believers to love unconditionally and sacrificially.
Reflection of God’s Nature: By loving one another, Christians reflect God’s nature to the world. This love is a practical demonstration of the gospel and a witness to God’s character.
Humility and Gratitude: Recognizing that God loved us first fosters humility. We cannot boast in our love for God or others; instead, we give thanks for His initiating grace. Our love is always a reflection of His love.
1 John 4:7–20 underscores the foundational truth that God’s love is the source, the starting point, and the sustaining power of all genuine love. Verses 7 and 19, in particular, highlight the priority of God’s love by showing that He loves first and enables His people to love in response. For believers, this truth calls for a life marked by love—love for God, love for one another, and love for the world. As we embrace and reflect God’s love, we participate in His redemptive work and bear witness to the reality of His presence in our lives.
More: Lesson 2 Covenantal Love
Hosea 9:15 states:
"All their wickedness is in Gilgal, for there I hated them. Because of the wickedness of their deeds, I will drive them out of my house; I will love them no more; all their princes are rebels." (ESV)
God's Love and Human Rejection
This verse highlights that God's love, though steadfast, is not unconditional in its benefits when faced with persistent rebellion. The people of Israel had turned to wickedness and idolatry, particularly in places like Gilgal, a site associated with false worship. This rejection of God's covenant leads to God declaring, "I will love them no more," indicating that the active benefits of His love—protection, blessing, and presence—can be forfeited through sin.
The Conditional Aspect of Relationship
While God's nature is love (1 John 4:8), His relationship with humanity often involves conditions under the covenant. When Israel continually rejected God and embraced sin, they chose to separate themselves from His blessings. The passage reflects the seriousness of turning away from God's will and the consequences of breaking the covenant.
Forfeiting God's Favor
The verse doesn't mean that God's nature or ultimate desire for His people changes, but it shows that unrepentant rebellion can lead to the forfeiture of the benefits of His love. His discipline in this context is a call to repentance, not a complete revocation of His overarching redemptive plan.
Hosea 9:15 teaches that while God's love is freely given, its blessings and benefits require a faithful response. Persistent rebellion or rejection of God can result in the forfeiture of those blessings, illustrating the importance of repentance, obedience, and maintaining a covenantal relationship with Him.
More: Lesson 2 Covenantal Love
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz/400g) firm tofu
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or any preferred cooking oil)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (for color)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 tsp black salt (kala namak, for eggy flavor) or regular salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 2 tbsp plant-based milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, or spinach – optional)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the tofu: Drain the tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel. Use your hands or a fork to crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the pan: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté vegetables (optional): If you're adding vegetables, sauté them for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add tofu: Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season: Sprinkle the turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), and black salt over the tofu. Mix well to coat evenly. Add the nutritional yeast and plant-based milk if using, and stir to combine.
6. Cook and taste: Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tofu is heated through and slightly golden. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm. Pair it with toast, avocado, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, protein-packed tofu scramble!
Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation
Regularly reading Bible passages that focus on God’s love (e.g., John 3:16, Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 136) helps reinforce its reality. Meditating on these verses allows their truth to sink deeply into your heart and mind.
Prayer and Thanksgiving
Spend time in prayer, thanking God for His love. Make it a habit to express gratitude for specific ways you've experienced His love in your life.
Memorize Verses About God’s Love
Committing key verses to memory enables you to recall them throughout the day, especially during difficult moments.
Worship and Music
Listening to and singing worship songs that celebrate God’s love can uplift your spirit and refocus your mind on Him.
Surround Yourself with Christ-Centered Community
Fellowship with others who encourage and remind you of God’s love can strengthen your awareness of it. Sharing testimonies and studying the Word together keeps His love at the forefront.
Visual Reminders
Place Bible verses, quotes, or symbols (like a cross) in visible areas of your home, workspace, or even as phone wallpapers.
Practice Acts of Love
Serving others in love mirrors God’s love for you and makes His presence more tangible in your daily life.
Silence and Reflection
Set aside quiet moments to reflect on God’s love and presence in your life. This helps combat distractions and centers your thoughts on Him.
Why It’s Important to Keep the Reality of God’s Love in Your Thoughts
Strengthens Faith
Regularly meditating on God’s love builds a solid foundation of trust in Him, especially during trials and uncertainties.
Brings Peace and Joy
Knowing and remembering God’s unconditional love brings comfort and reassurance, even in challenging circumstances.
Shapes Your Identity
Focusing on God’s love reminds you that your worth is rooted in being His beloved child, not in worldly achievements or failures.
Guides Your Actions
Awareness of God’s love motivates you to love others selflessly, aligning your life with His will.
Combats Lies and Doubts
Keeping God’s love in mind helps you reject false thoughts of unworthiness, fear, or abandonment, grounding you in truth.
Enhances Spiritual Growth
Constant reflection on God’s love fosters a deeper relationship with Him and transforms your heart and mind to be more Christ-like.
By actively keeping the reality of God’s love in your thoughts, you can live with a stronger sense of purpose, peace, and confidence in His eternal care.