Today's Devotional

God Is Love

April 24, 2026 ●

By Pastor Jerry A. Burns

1 John 4:8

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

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When the Bible says that God is love, it does not simply mean that God shows love from time to time—it means love is part of His very nature. Love is not just something God does; it is who He is. Every action of God flows perfectly from His holy character. His love is never separated from His justice, righteousness, or truth. He does not love like man loves—imperfectly, selfishly, or conditionally. His love is pure, holy, faithful, and eternal. When we want to understand true love, we must look to God Himself.

1 Corinthians 13 gives us a beautiful picture of what love looks like: patient, kind, not proud, not self-seeking, not easily provoked, and never failing. This is not merely a description of human love at its best—it is a reflection of God’s own heart. Jesus Christ demonstrated this perfectly during His earthly ministry. He was patient with weak disciples, kind to broken sinners, compassionate to the hurting, and merciful to the guilty. He did not seek His own glory but humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. His love was not based on our worthiness, but on His grace.

The greatest display of God’s love is found at Calvary. John 3:16 reminds us that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son. Romans 5:8 goes even further—Christ died for us while we were still sinners. He did not wait for us to improve, clean ourselves up, or become lovable. He loved first. He chose to love. That is divine love—sacrificial, forgiving, and redemptive. Through the cross, we see that love is not just words; love gives, suffers, and saves.

Because God is love, forgiveness is available. His love reaches to the deepest sinner and offers cleansing through Christ. First John 1:9 assures us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. What a comfort to know that God’s love is not fragile or temporary. His love is steadfast. And for those who trust in Christ, He not only saves us by love, but He teaches us to love others through the power of the Holy Spirit. His love in us becomes a testimony to the world that we belong to Him.

Did this devotional speak to you?

Application

Take time today to reflect on how God has loved you—not when you deserved it, but when you were at your worst. Let His love humble you and strengthen your faith. Then ask yourself: Am I reflecting that same love to others? True Christianity is not only receiving God’s love, but also showing it. Ask the Lord to help you love patiently, forgive freely, and serve sacrificially so that others may see Christ in you.

Victory Verse

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" — Job 19:25

Additional Verses

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

"But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence."

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

Daily Scripture Reading

Join us as we read through the Bible in one year, growing together in God’s Word day by day. Click on any underlined verse to access Pastor Burns’ helpful study notes and deeper insights.

Standard Plan

Mixed Plan

Chronological Plan

1 Samuel 4-6

Luke 18:1-23

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

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This Week's Radio Program

Week Eighteen • May 3, 2026

Trust in Him

Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 3)

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In this final part of the message, “Trusting God with Tomorrow,” we are brought face to face with a powerful truth from Scripture—while we often plan our days and assume the future, the Bible teaches us that life is fragile, uncertain, and completely in God’s hands. As James reminds us, our life is “even a vapour” that appears for a little time and then vanishes away . The issue is not planning, but planning without God—living as though we are in control of what only God knows.

This message walks through the heart of biblical trust: having a proper perspective of tomorrow, a humble posture before God today, and a surrendered plan that says, “If the Lord will.” Whether facing uncertainty, fear, or the illusion of control, we are called to draw near to God, rest in His care, and trust that His will is good, even when tomorrow is unknown. Because Christ has risen, our future is secure—not in our plans, but in His perfect hands.

Listen to Past Programs

Trust in Him Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 2) Week Sixteen • Apr 19, 2026