Saints CORAM DEO

“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:”
— John 1:12 (KJV)

Yes, according to sound biblical teaching, God is love. This is clearly stated in 1 John 4:8:

"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

This means that love is not just something God does—it is His very nature. However, God's love does not exist in isolation from His other attributes, including His justice.

The Relationship Between God's Love and Justice

God’s love and justice are not in conflict; rather, they are perfectly unified in His character. Here’s how:

God’s Justice Ensures That Love is Righteous

Love without justice can lead to permissiveness, where wrongdoing is tolerated.

God’s love is holy and does not ignore sin (Habakkuk 1:13).

God’s Love Provides a Way to Satisfy His Justice

Because God is just, He must punish sin (Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death…").

Because God is love, He provided Jesus as the sacrifice for sin (Romans 5:8: "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.").

The Cross is Where Love and Justice Meet

Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied God’s justice (sin was punished).

At the same time, it demonstrated God’s love (sinners were offered salvation).

Romans 3:26: "...so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."

Conclusion

God’s love is not separate from His justice. Instead, His justice makes His love meaningful and true. The greatest display of both was at the cross, where God’s justice against sin was satisfied, and His love for sinners was revealed.

Shalom Saints,

With Ruth wa mum – I just got recognised as one of their top fans!