What's Love Got To Do With It?

The Depths of Divine Affection: God's Love Unveiled

Bible Passage: Romans 5:8

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

Tina Turner wrote a hit in 1984 titled, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” It goes on to say, What’s love got to do, got to do with it? What’s love but a second hand emotion? What’s love got to do, got to do with it? Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?

Here in Paul’s letter to the Romans, he describes the “immeasurable love of God.” God’s love is so vast and profound that it cannot be fully understood or measured by human beings. God’s love is a gift, not something earned. John 3:16 “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.” It is freely given, even to those who do not deserve it. Truth be told this morning, none of us deserves it! For we ALL have sinned and come short of God’s glory. Matter of fact Psalm 51:5 reminds us, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.” We all were guilty of death for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life. In our text, Paul illustrates the incredible depth of God’s love, which actively pursues humanity even in its brokenness. Rather than God waiting for us to become worthy, He demonstrated His love through the sacrificial death of His own Son, Jesus the Christ while we were still in rebellion, showcasing grace that transcends human understanding. Look what Paul says in verse 6 & 7, For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (That’s us!) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die! How many in here are willing to die right now for a good man! You don’t have to answer that out loud! But Paul says there are not too many who will die, even for a good man! That’s for a good man! Now, let me ask this question, how many will die for a low down no good man? Well that’s what Christ did for us. For we were no good, we were low down. We were liars, cheaters, adulterers, whoremongers, thieves, and some things we dare not to mention and some may still BE, the good news is, But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were STILL sinners, Christ died for us! Somebody ought to shout Glory! Christ died for me! He shed His blood for me that I might become white as snow! He took me and he washed me, He cleansed me, and he purged me.

Have you ever tried to get a stubborn ink stain out of your favorite shirt? I once spilled ink everywhere and tried every cleaning hack known to man! Finally, I found a special cleaner that did the trick. In the same way, God’s blood is the ultimate cleaner—no sin is too deep that His love can’t wash it away. His grace is the best detergent we could ever ask for!

1. God's Grace Begins

God’s love is initiated independently of our actions, as demonstrated in this singular and profound verse.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were still sinners..

Consider the story of the prodigal son. After squandering his inheritance, he returns home, expecting rejection. Instead, he is met with open arms and a feast! This illustrates the depth of God's grace, showing that no matter how far we stray, He is always ready to welcome us back. It's a reminder that grace is not only for the righteous but for all who seek forgiveness.

Aren’t you glad that God’s love is proactive and reaches out to us, regardless of our shortcomings. Even when humanity is at its worst, God chooses to demonstrate His love and grace supremely through the death of Christ. God’s love is not contingent on human merit. Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

A woman once shared how she struggled with self-worth, believing her mistakes disqualified her from God’s love. One evening, while reflecting, she felt a deep sense of peace wash over her, reminding her of the stories of grace in the Bible. She realized that grace isn’t about performance; it’s about accepting God’s love as it is—free and transformative. This revelation changed her life, illustrating how God’s grace can heal our hearts.

So when we better understand God’s grace towards us, one that reassures us of our worth in Christ; we then should demonstrate this love to others. God's unconditional love calls us to extend radical grace to others, breaking down barriers of judgment; inviting healing and restoration.

2. God's Radical Sacrifice

“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”

He gave of himself. He gave his best. Love is an action word and love also requires sacrifice. Not just any kind of sacrifice but radical sacrifice! You don’t truly love if you’re not willing to give of yourself. When you make a sacrifice it hurts sometimes. The radical nature of God’s affection is not only proactive but sacrificial. God’s divine love toward us is manifested through the ultimate sacrifice which challenges our traditional notions of love that demand reciprocity. A self-sacrificial love is not one that gives because it’s looking for something in return.

In what ways does the sacrificial love of Christ challenge our understanding of love in today's society?

At home, we often face conflicts that seem insurmountable, whether it's a disagreement with a spouse or tension among siblings. The sacrificial love of Christ teaches us to prioritize humility and forgiveness over being right. Learn to take a moment to reflect before reacting to a conflict. Try asking yourself, 'How can I serve this person?' Implement this by intentionally doing something kind for them that counters your initial reaction. This may mean giving up some of your time or plans, but it will deepen relationships and reflect Christ’s love in your home.

In the workplace, competition can breed negativity and jealousy. You might struggle with feeling undervalued or overlooked for promotions. Christ's sacrificial love challenges you to serve others instead of striving alone for recognition. As a practical step, this week, make it your mission to uplift a coworker. Offer to assist on a project or give them credit during meetings. This act of love not only fosters teamwork but also demonstrates Christ’s love by elevating others. You will find that your own heart is transformed in the process.

In church, sometimes we can become complacent, sitting back while others do the work. You might feel overwhelmed and doubt whether your presence or participation has any impact. Reflecting on Christ's sacrificial love invites you to engage actively. This week, choose to enroll in a service team or volunteer for an outreach program. Even if it's uncomfortable or outside your usual routine, participating in serving others can ignite your faith. By stepping out, you not only honor Christ’s example but also inspire others to follow suit.

3. God's Call to Action

Romans 5:8

Our message this morning calls for us to consider how this AGAPE LOVE calls us to respond. Just as Christ extended love towards us we as believers are called to extend the same unconditional, barrier-breaking love to others. In order to do this we must love through actions that promote forgiveness, acceptance, and reconciliation. We are, or might I suggest we should be the active agents of God's love, fostering an inclusive environment that embodies the depth of divine affection. Ephesians 4:31–32 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

1 John 4:8 “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

1 John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

So as I hurry to a close Paul reminds us today that no sin can separate us from God's love!

Romans 8:38–39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God's relentless pursuit of humanity is demonstrated through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Christ stands as the ultimate proof of God’s loving nature that seeks to restore fellowship with God and man!

Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise, For it was grace that brought my Liberty. I’ll never know just why he came to love me so.

He looked beyond my faults and saw all my needs!