But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8
Interestingly, the Bible doesn’t ever just say that God loves us. Instead, it says: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this…” (Romans 5:8).
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son…” (1 John 4:10). “For God so loved the world that he gave…” (John 3:16). For God, love is more than an emotion or intention. True love — redemptive love, God-styled love — is defined by actions and the emotions that launch those actions! Jesus showed God’s love for us by sacrificing everything for us. He did it when we most needed it. He demonstrated God’s love for us while we were sinners, powerless, ungodly, and even enemies of God!