Most of us are likely to celebrate “romantic love” with the people so dear to us. But what about God’s love? When do we usually celebrate it?
God’s love is also known as agape love. It is the highest form of love and is marked as gracious, unmerited, and generous. Unlike other types of love, it is not all about attraction, feelings, or emotions. Instead, it involves a sacrificial act, commitment, and faithfulness – without expecting anything in return.
Human love, on the other hand, is our natural way to show and express love. It is usually based on how we understand it. It can be our way of loving our parents, friends, significant other, career, siblings, etc.
The love of God has different features than human love. Their only resemblance is that love exists for who the person is. For instance, the one who receives love does not have to do anything to earn it. It is displayed in a friend’s genuine love toward his comrade, parents’ love for their children, and someone’s concern toward his/her neighbor.
Despite this similarity, God’s love is still way different from ours. Below is a list of 13 differences between God’s love and human love.
1. God’s love is steadfast; human love is often subject to change.
The love of God does not waver because it is based on His character. It remains whether we respond to it or not. In fact, the Bible declares that nothing can separate us from His love.
On the other hand, human love can be changeable and inconsistent at times. Some people tend to abandon us during difficult moments in life. Only a few are those who can stick with us through thick and thin.
2. God’s love can be easily identified; human love is sometimes wrapped with pretenses.
If you have a personal relationship with God, you can simply identify His love for you. It is made known in His Word. This revelation is by the power of His Spirit that gives us a divine encounter with Him.
Human love, however, is sometimes filled with deception. Although not everyone can betray you with their fake love, humanity is still capable of doing this.
3. God’s love is unfathomable; human love is often easier to comprehend.
Just like God’s ways, His thoughts are also higher than ours. No one can ever come to understand Him. And if He is inexplicable, then so is His divine love for us. Words fall short in describing how He loves us.
Meanwhile, you can easily grasp human love because it is our very nature. We exactly know its characteristics. As human beings, we are aware of our strengths and weaknesses.
4. God’s love is immeasurable; human love has boundaries at times.
God’s love is vast and beyond calculation. No one can measure how wide, deep, and high His love is.
Human love, on the other hand, has limits. That is why some people have to decide to end their relationship if it is already unhealthy. Sometimes, the best way to make things right is by getting out of a toxic relationship no matter how you love the person.
5. God’s love is all-inclusive; human love often fails to love the unlovable.
God shows no partiality when it comes to loving people. He does not wait for you to love or believe in Him first before He loves you.
But unlike God’s love, we often choose those people whom we want to love. Some select those who are good-looking, successful, and wealthy individuals. Others prefer those who are lovable and possess admirable characters. It is a fact that the world has its standard of what true love is.
6. God’s love endures; human love fades.
Whatever happens, God’s love will continue to exist until the very end. It can withstand all types of circumstances in life.
But human love is different from God’s. It tends to falter and diminish. In fact, you can easily fall out of love with a person at any time.
7. God’s love means sacrifice; human love often takes advantage.
God’s standard of love concentrates on what He gives, not on what He gets. It was demonstrated when Jesus died on the cross while we were yet sinners. Jesus’ sacrifice was motivated by His love for us.
On the other hand, human love is often more focused on what it gets rather than what it gives. No doubt, many relationships did not work out because of selfish desires.
8. God’s love is unconditional; human love is conditional.
God loves everyone even if we do not deserve it. It is displayed regardless of your actions, traits, or qualities. It holds a feeling of security and acceptance. In short, His love is not based on merits.
Meanwhile, human love is simply loving with conditions. This type of love depends on particular attributes, actions, qualities, or things going on. It is demonstrated as an effect of what’s beneficial to you. More often, it is characterized by a lack of trust and stability.
9. God’s love is purely sacred and spiritual; human love may be sensual and physical.
God’s love gives you peace, freedom, and inexpressible joy. There is no room for fear, and you let go of all your insecurity in life.
But human love is relatively different from this. It often refers to a deep feeling of emotional attachment and strong attraction toward someone.
10. God’s love is personal; human love can be impersonal.
The salvation that Jesus did on the cross is an interpretation of God’s love. And in this sacrificial act, He was personally involved. For this reason, He also wants every human being to have a personal relationship with Him.
Unlike God’s love, human love sometimes acts toward goals, money, belief, or object instead of people. Some tend to lavish their affection on other focal points, such as animals and things in this world.
11. God’s love forgives; human love sometimes bears grudges and retaliates.
The love of God can forgive us no matter how sinful we are. He patiently waits for us with open arms whenever we turn back to Him and ask for forgiveness.
When it comes to human love, there are times when we just can’t control our emotions or feelings. In some cases, we tend to do what others have done unto us. Also, we can’t deny the fact that it’s hard to forgive sometimes. Although we don’t like to hold resentment, we just can’t help it.
12. God’s love never fails; human love falls short on certain occasions.
God’s love always desires what’s best for you. It is generous and unselfish. In fact, God does not give up on His people. No matter how many times they have rejected Him, He is still waiting for them to come back to Him.
Many marriages did not work out because human love failed to meet specific standards and expectations. Other failures in certain relationships may occur in families and friendships.
13. God’s love can be read within the scriptures; human love is usually portrayed in movies and other television series.
We can discover God’s love through the Bible. The entire Word of God is filled with His love and teachings.
Many of us are fascinated with romantic stories that are seen on television, the internet, or on silver screens. Some are even hooked on reading books or novels. All these are nothing compared to the love that God can offer us.
Divine love is what we need.
We can better differentiate God’s love from human love only if we have experienced both of them. His love can exceed human ability. Humankind offers a love that is limited to their natural capabilities. Its version cannot be compared to what God can provide.
But as people who possess “human love”, we can love the way God does by imitating Him. When we accept His love for us, it is easier to love Him back and the people around us.
Just like what the scripture says in 1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.”
Also read: True Love vs. Unconditional Love: 7 Differences You Should Know
