We know that God’s love is eternal and unwavering. Yet, during times of turmoil and uncertainty, we often find ourselves doubting His love. Does this mean His love has failed? Even today, when we witness widespread atrocities, people are left astonished and ask difficult questions: Is God in control? or Why does He allow such suffering?
To remain steadfast in God’s enduring love, we must seek a deeper understanding of Him and His grace. Only through this understanding can we trust in His unfailing love, even in the midst of chaos.
Human Love and Its Limitations
Unlike God’s unconditional agape love, human love is often limited, conditional, and self-entered. Because we live in a fallen world, we rarely experience the depth of God’s incredible love. People long to receive love but often struggle to extend it to others.
Just as we carefully manage our material resources to avoid depletion, we often make the mistake of believing that love must also be stored away. This mindset is not new—during Moses’ time, the Israelites hoarded manna despite God’s command to trust in His daily provision. Likewise, we tend to fear the unknown, trying to control future uncertainties and burdening ourselves with anxiety. Instead, Jesus encouraged us to focus on growing rich in His Word and love.
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” – Luke 12:20-21 (NIV)
Because human love is driven by self-interest rather than selflessness, we sometimes apply the same scarcity mindset to our spiritual lives. This can lead to resentment toward those who are close to God. Martha, for example, felt frustrated when Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet instead of helping her. Instead of adopting Mary’s posture of devotion, Martha allowed resentment to take root—toward her sister, herself, and even Jesus.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” – Luke 10:40 (NIV)
Another harmful human tendency is possessiveness—the belief that God’s love, grace, and forgiveness are meant only for us. This mindset is evident in some ministries today, where leaders assert exclusive authority and judge others as unworthy. Some religious individuals identify as “Christians” and believe that God belongs solely to Christians or those who have undergone specific rituals to join the faith. This possessiveness fosters division in various ways, including within societal and family relationships, leading to doubt, false accusations, and character attacks. Ultimately, it harms both individuals and the broader faith community. Paul encouraged us to regard others as greater than ourselves, regardless of their background.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)
Everyone desires to walk in the light, but for some, this journey seems too difficult. Instead of focusing on their own love for God, they become consumed by resentment toward those who walk closely with Him.
To fully embrace God’s love, we must overcome these human limitations and learn to love as He does—freely, unconditionally, and without fear. When we refuse to conform to the ways of this world, God will set us apart and draw us closer to Him.
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. – John 12:26 (NIV)
Hate or Indifference?
Hate is often seen as the opposite of love, with the belief that when love ends, hate begins. In reality, love and hate coexist—one cannot exist without the other. As the Bible states, *”You who love the LORD, hate evil”* (Psalm 97:10). While love and hate run parallel, hatred often appears to spread more rapidly. But is this an illusion, or is it reality? If real, what fuels the rapid spread of hatred while love remains steadfast?
Hate is not necessarily the rejection of love but rather an indication of the love we have for someone or the love we expect in return. Indifference, not hate, is the true absence of love. When we choose to love God, we inherently reject evil—we do not remain indifferent to sin. In contrast, people often show indifference when it comes to walking in the light or doing good, revealing a lack of love. When we are indifferent to His love, we often find countless excuses. However, to sustain His love in our hearts, we must serve Him in some way or another.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. – Romans 12:11 (NIV)
A person who harbors hatred often seeks validation from others, finding solace in those who justify their resentment. This tendency to seek human approval and support reveals a deeper inclination to live apart from God.
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. – Jeremiah 17:5 (NIV)
Encouraging hatred is easier than fostering love, as love requires no justification or external approval. However, when love turns into possessiveness, it demands exclusivity. If these expectations are not met, love can quickly turn into hate.
Remain Calm When Surrounded By Hate
The Pharisees and Sadducees clung to their own understanding of Scripture and saw Jesus as a threat to their authority. Their hatred, fuelled by fear of losing their position, spread rapidly—so much so that a crowd was soon shouting for His crucifixion, despite the love that flowed from His life. Hatred spreads rapidly, fuelled by fear, while love, untouched by fear (1 John 4:18), remains steady and unshaken.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. – Isaiah 53:7 (NIV)
Though hatred may seem overwhelming on the surface, love quietly takes root in hearts, bringing peace and comfort. When messages of hate arise and it feels as though we are surrounded by those who stand against truth, stay steadfast—just as Jesus did, like a lamb led to slaughter. In time, hatred will fade, making way for love, allowing us to rest in God’s unwavering embrace, for His love endures forever.
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. – Matthew 24:12-13 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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