What does it mean that God is love?
To say “God is love” means love is not just something God does but who he is — supremely shown when he gave his Son for sinners. It never means God overlooks sin; his love and holiness are one.
1 John 4:8 says plainly, “God is love.” Love is part of his very nature, eternally expressed within the Trinity and outward to his creation.
This love is defined by the cross, not by sentiment: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” It is self-giving, costly, and undeserved.
Because God is love, his love is the most reliable thing in the universe — but it is holy love, which is why the cross was necessary. He does not ignore sin; he bore it.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.