Untitled Sermon (26)

What is Love?

Nothing in Return

God points out to David that, so far, he has not gotten anything from the Israelites

As much as God has given, he has gotten nothing in return

Love does not seek a reward

We often expect a return on our investment, but love is a pure act of giving

God continues to love even when we give nothing back

Give Before you Receive

More than that, God’s love is first

God not only points out that he has gotten nothing back, but promises to give even more, even before he gets a temple

God’s love is prior to any love. It is not a response to something in us, but simply God acting out his character

Jesus asks, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”

Sometimes love can be a response, but God’s love comes before we’ve done anything at all

The הסד of God

What kind of love is this then, that gives before it recieves, and even gives without expecting to receive?

The word used here is הסד, which is sometimes translated “steadfast love”

This word, however, is probably better understood as faithfulness, or commitment.

It is used in suzerain/vassal treaties in the ANE often. It describes the obligation that the more powerful king has to his subjects

Hesed is more of a duty than a deep seated love. God, as our creator, has a responsibility toward us, to care for those he has called his own.

This is one factor that comes into play time and time again. God comes to the rescue of the Israelites simply because that is his duty. He has committed himself to them, and will stay true to his word.

No Greater Love

This הסד is certainly an important aspect of God’s love toward us, but it’s not the only one.

Even in 2 Samuel, we can see that there’s more than mere obligation going on

God goes above and beyond what he has to do. He does more than what is required of him

The ultimate expression of this kind of higher love is Jesus Christ

A good king may be expected to help his subjects out of trouble, but not to give his life for their mistakes.

This kind of act points to a deeper love, a love that comes from more than mere obligation.

Contagious Love

But now Jesus challenges us: “We love because he first loved us.”

Christ calls us to have the kind of love for God and neighbor that he had: not a mere obligation, but something much deeper and more powerful. Something we would trade our lives for.

Do we only love as much as we have to, or do we go beyond what is expected of us as Jesus did?

What kind of love do you display in your relationships? Is it הסד, a loving commitment, or is it the deeper love of God, the love we see in Jesus?