God’s Ocean of Love–reflections and Bible verses

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There’s a quote by Pastor Rick Warren that says, “God’s love is like an ocean; you can see its beginning, but not its end.” Standing on this shoreline, looking out over an endless expanse of water, I get a sense of what he means.

I can see its beginning…

Where does an ocean begin? Scientifically, there is just one global ocean. The oceans we see on maps all connect to form a continuous, interconnected body of water across the earth. In order to distinguish among the waters of geographic regions, humans constructed “boundaries” and named the oceans (noaa.gov). But, in my little corner of the world, where simple explanations are generally preferred, I’d say the ocean begins right here on the beach, where the waves lap over my toes.

And, where did God’s love begin? God’s love began with his divine plans for us, even before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4, Jeremiah 1:5), and continued when he made human beings in his own image to enjoy and to have a relationship with (Genesis 1:27-31, Revelation 4:11). On a more personal level, we might recall when we began noticing God’s love at work in our lives–maybe through something that ignited our faith or when we received his comfort during a difficult time.

But not its end…

So, we can point to the beginning of God’s love. But, we cannot see its end. And, isn’t that marvelous?! Much like an ocean, his love is vast and endless in all dimensions (Ephesians 3:18-19, Lamentations 3:22). It flows toward us, day in and day out, demonstrating an affection that is continuous, unlimited, and forever.

God’s love is a different kind of love

God’s love is different than what we think of as romantic love or the love between friends. The love that flows from God is known as “agape love.” Agape is a Greek word describing love that is intentional, unmerited, unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. More than an emotion, agape love is a choice and an action of goodwill toward others. The greatest example of agape love was at the cross when Jesus Christ took the penalty for humanity’s sin and died for us (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).

God IS Love

Truly, God is love (1 John 4:8). It is his very essence or nature, so everything he does comes from his love. Through the apostle Paul, we learn more about how God wants us to practice love: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).” Because God IS love, he is all these things!

God’s Love Letter

God gave us Bible verses about love to help us learn and grow in the relationship we have with him, as well as the relationships we have with other people. Billy Graham said, “the Bible is God’s love letter to humanity.” It is a letter to treasure. If we cherish the Bible like a love letter, reading it time and time again, then it will always bring us new revelations, restored hope, and invitations to reciprocate God’s affection (Isaiah 55:11).

Here are some of my favorite verses about the boundless love God so graciously provides:

30 Bible Verses about God’s Ocean of Love

⚓️ God’s love is unconditional and for everyone

(1) He doesn’t care how great a person may be, and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all.
Job 34:19

(2) For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

(3) He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
1 John 2:2

⚓️ God’s love is sacrificial

(4) This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 John 4:10

(5) But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:5

(6) There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13

(7) My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

⚓️ God’s love is compassionate and merciful

(8) But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
Psalm 86:15

(9) He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

(10) The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13

(11) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7

(12) But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 5:8

(13) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
Ephesians 2:4-5

⚓️ God’s love is faithful and enduring

(14) The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23

(15) Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”
Jeremiah 31:3

(16) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

(17) “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
Isaiah 54:10

(18) Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9

(19) Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:26

⚓️ God’s love is protective

(20) The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.”
Psalm 91:14

(21) The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 121:7-8

(22) For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Psalm 34:7

(23) For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. 
Psalm 32:7

(24) The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10

(25) He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:4

⚓️ God’s love is supportive and encouraging

(26) See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.
1 John 3:1

(27) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

(28) God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1

(29) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29

(30) For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zephaniah 3:17

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:18-19

Press on in faith my friends!
~ Jamie

All Photos by Jamie Trunnel, ascripturedlife.com. Taken in Naples, Florida.

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2 thoughts on “God’s Ocean of Love–reflections and Bible verses”

  1. Leslie

    Thank you, Jamie, for reminding us of the depth and breadth of God’s love. Too often, I feel I am thinking of God’s help in a narrow way, only in a time of need. But he is always there for us, even when we don’t ask anything of him.

    p.s. I learned a new word, agape!

    p.p.s Always love your photos!!

    Reply

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