Unlimited love
What does it mean that God’s love is unlimited?
God’s love is a one of His foundational attributes (see Psalm 103:8–12; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4–5; 1 John 4:9–10). God’s love has the power to melt hard hearts and make rebels surrender. It is unlimited, far beyond human comprehension, and serves as a wellspring of all forms of human love. However, human affections pale in comparison to the unlimited love of the Father, who is love Himself (1 John 4:8).
When we say that God’s love is unlimited, we mean that it knows no boundaries, measurements, or exceptions. It is inherent to His nature; since He is infinite, His love is also infinite. Because God’s love is unlimited, no one is beyond redemption. Even some of the most monstrous people have experienced transformation through the revelation of God’s grace. A striking example is David Berkowitz, the infamous “Son of Sam,” a serial killer who was saved by the grace of God in prison (see his testimony at www.ariseandshine.org). What’s the limit of God’s mercy? What sin is too great for Him to forgive? Praise the Lord, “as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant” (Romans 5:20, NLT), and He delights in saving even “the worst” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
Questions about God’s unlimited love troubled the mind of author Lee Strobel as he followed the account of a Khmer Rouge killer who later found redemption at the cross. Comrade Duch committed grievous atrocities, and his record is enough to sicken anyone. Yet, the man described as an efficient killing machine in Cambodia ended up as a testament of God’s unlimited love. His life and that of Berkowitz demonstrate that even the vilest sinner can find forgiveness. “When the Bible says God loves the world, it doesn’t footnote any exceptions. God’s grace is inexhaustible” (Strobel, L., The Case for Grace, Zondervan, 2015, p. 103).
God’s unlimited love is further evident in the love shared by the Father, the Son, and the Spirit among themselves. Love, as seen in this eternal and unending relationship, is selfless and sacrificial. Jesus proclaimed, “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands” (John 3:35). The Father also expressed His love for His Son in Matthew 17:5, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
This love of the triune God secures our salvation. The Father’s justice was satisfied through the sacrifice of the Son, who bore the penalty for our sins. When we place our faith in the Son, the Holy Spirit regenerates us and takes residence within us (Ezekiel 36:27; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Galatians 4:6; 1 John 3:24). Salvation is a complete and unified work of all three Persons of the Trinity.
God’s love is unlimited, and that fact can offend skeptics and baffle believers. The open invitation of God’s grace gets negative reviews from those who don’t fully understand the gospel. Testimonies of individuals like Berkowitz and Duch make the gospel look foolish to some, but to the undeserving sinner, such reports are a reflection of God’s power (1 Corinthians 1:18).
While God’s love is unlimited, deep, and profound, it is not His only attribute revealed in Scripture. God is also infinitely holy and perfectly just (Isaiah 6:3; Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 89:14; 99:9; Romans 2:5–6). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross reflects not only God’s love but also His holiness and justice. The cross vividly demonstrates how seriously God views sin, as He poured out the just penalty on Christ while, in His boundless love, offering His Son for our transgressions.
