Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 180:718 (Apr 2023)
Article: From The Editor
Author: Glenn R. Kreider

From The Editor

Glenn R. Kreider

“God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). This simple statement summarizes the character of God. God does not merely act in a loving way—he is love. Further, we know what love is because he first loved us and sent his Son to give us eternal life (vv. 9, 19).

Love is patient (1 Cor 13:4), and it always perseveres (v. 7). Jeremiah reminded the people of his day, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam 3:22–23). God keeps his promises. God can be trusted. God is loyal and faithful.

For the people of Israel in exile, Jeremiah’s reminder of God’s faithfulness assured them that God’s promises would be fulfilled. God had promised Abraham that he and his offspring would live in the land forever (Gen 13:14–17). This promise was repeated several times to the Israelites (for example, Exod 23:31 and Josh 1:4). Since God is faithful to his people and to his promises, Jeremiah said, we can be confident that Israel will be in this land forever.

Every morning, whether we awake with joy and positivity or with fear and dread, we can be sure that God is faithful. We can begin the day with confidence that whatever we face, we do it with a faithful God. Our salvation is secure. Our hope is certain. Our destiny is in the hands of a loving and faithful God.