God's Geometry

Geometry is a hard subject. Filled with graphs, angles, proofs, and shapes, this certain mathematical
discipline gives the student challenging tasks. The word Geometry means to measure the earth (GeoEarth and metry-Measure) and men accomplish this task with rulers, compasses, and tape measures.
Have we ever decided to measure the love of God? Could we measure the distance between one end
and the other? Beautifully, we will try, but the results are unexpected. God’s geometry problem asks like
this: “How much does God love the world?” and the answer given is: “that he gave his only begotten
Son” (John 3:16). John 3:16 has been divided into many different ways, but A.P. Gibbs divided it plainly
under the theme of everlasting life
• “God”—the Giver of this life.
• “love”—The source of this life.
• “Gave”—The cost of this life.
• “Son”—The channel of this life.
• “Whosoever”—The scope of this life.
• “believeth”—The condition of this life.
• “everlasting”—The character of this life.”1

Our beloved songs capture the beautiful divine attributes of God. They ring in our hearts as we sing the
tunes to help us keep in memory the words that read so beautifully.
“Come let us all unite to sing, God is love. Let heaven and earth their praises ring, God is love.”
“How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure. That He would give His only
Son to make a wretch His treasure.”
“Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made. Were every stalk on
earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade. To write the love of God above would drain the
ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched by sky to sky.”
Some view God as ONLY a God of justice, anger, and punishment; however, one of the most important
attributes about Jehovah God is LOVE.
The word love. The word means to have a deep affection on someone. The Greeks had four
words for love
• Agape: Dear Love.
• Phileo: Brotherly love.
• Storge: Family love.
• Eros: Romantic love.
The word “love” appears 311 times in the Bible and the word “charity” appears 28 times. The Greek
word Agape and other forms of it appear hundreds of times in Scripture. Interestingly and contrastingly,
the love of God is quite different than the love of man. Intense feelings, kisses, and hugs are included in
love, but God’s love is much more (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). God’s love can be known (Ephesians 3:18),
but not in its entirety (Ephesians 3:19). Love is part of God’s essence (1 John 4:7-8). John Wesley said,
“Love is God’s reigning attribute that sheds amiable glory upon all of his other perfections.” Willliam
Barclay proclaimed about the statement “God is love,” that it is “probably the single greatest statement
about God in the whole Bible…It is amazing how many doors that single statement unlocks and how
many questions it answers.”

In Geometry, one of the major tasks of students is working with a discipline called proofs. Students are
required to make two sections. On one side is the given information (statements) and on the other side
would be the beginning process of the logical conclusion to with whatever is being worked. 2 Today, we
want to prove the love of God by noting statements and the reason. Truly, there can be no greater
subject at hand to study, then God’s great, glorious love.
No one taught God to love because love originates with Him (1 John 4:19). 3

THE LOVE OF GOD IS WIDE

John 3:16 begins with “for God so loved the world.” The word world is used in a number of ways,
(creation, sinful world), but here it means the whole of humanity; the “whole human race.”4 Seven
billion people live on the earth today and God loves each person. Some confine the love of God to the
elected persons saved by irresistible grace. Some may confine the love of God to those who follow Him.
The love of God is not a narrow stream,5 it is a vast ocean ready to be drained by the cup of every human
being. Most people only love some, some only love many, but God loves all! God’s love is not directed to
a certain sect of persons, for He doesn’t choose WHOM to love. Every person falls under the umbrella of
God’s love. Five tests are given below to show the far-reaching arm of His divine love.


THE NATION'S TEST (Revelation 5:9). God is not only the God of America, instead, He is the God of all people. God is not a tribunal God or a nationalistic God. Every nation, country, state, and city belongs
to Him (Psalm 24:1). His love can be shown in the small tribes of Africa, in the rigid temperatures of
Antarctica, and in the middle of downtown Tokyo. His love stretches from the North Pole to the South
pole and can be felt as far as the East is from the West.

THE RACE TEST (Galatians 3:28). Jews were racist against Gentiles. It would not be uncommon for Jews to refuse to accept the salvation of the Gentiles. While God did have His special people whom He
loved (Deuteronomy 7:7-8), God is no racist. God is not for whites, blacks, red, or yellow…He is for
humanity (Acts 17:26). God is the God of all flesh (Jeremiah 32:37); there are no walls (Ephesians 2:14-
16).

THE GENDER TEST (Galatians 3:28). While men and women carry different roles, God’s love is
expressed in equal value to each one. In fact, Scripture portrays both powerful MEN and influential
WOMEN in His divine plan. Ultimately, in heaven gender distinction will not be made (Matthew 22:30)
and on the earth, both men and women can be spiritual priests (1 Peter 2:5).

THE SOCIAL STATUS TEST(Galatians 3:28). It doesn’t matter if one is an employer or employee, he is still loved by God. The man who makes eight figures matters as much to God as the man who makes
minimum wage. Men from the throne like David, Solomon, and Nebuchadnezzar received the love of
God, as did men like Peter, John, and the healed beggar. Jesus preached to the rich (Matthew 19:16-22)
and the poor (Matthew 11:4-5).

THE TIME TEST6 (Luke 2:10; Acts 2:39; Hebrews 9:15). God’s love is broad enough to cover every
aspect of time, past, present, and future. One student asked his professor “when did God start loving
me? Was it when I became saved? Or will God ever stop loving me?” The professor responded, “I have
two words to answer your two questions: ALWAYS and NEVER.” God’s love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3;
Romans 8:38-39). It doesn’t have bounds, nor does it run out. God has loved men from Adam to John;
from the beginning of time to the end of time. Salvation is offered to every single man, woman, and
believing child, in every single age. C.S. Lewis said "Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us
does not."

Geography cannot confine it, social class doesn’t rank it, race doesn’t negate it, and time doesn’t
not age it. The love of God “shall forevermore endure.”

THE LOVE OF GOD IS LONG

The longest movie ever made was over 14 hours long. The longest personal name has 747 characters.
Louis XIV of France reigned the longest of any monarch (72 years). Many today have gone to great
lengths to show love to another. A man will save up money to buy his fiancée an engagement ring. A
father may work overtime to provide for his family. A mother may take on a job in order to help support
her family. How do you measure love? A couple lived in Iowa on a farm. The husband never showed his
wife any signs of live, never told her that he loved her, and because of this, her needs were unfulfilled.
Finally, she asked him, “why don’t you ever tell me you love me, or show me that you do.” The husband
responded “when we were married I told you that I loved you, and if I ever change my mind, I’ll let you
know.”7 Santosh Kalwar said “Love is not measured by WHO you love, love is measured by HOW you
love.”

John 3:16 would continue to read: “that he gave his only begotten son.” True love then, is measured by
sacrifice. Beautifully, God’s love did not begin at the point of the incarnation or crucifixion. Instead, the
cross was just an MANIFESTATION of His eternal love (1 John 4:9-10). He chooses to love; He is not
forced to (cf. Deuteronomy 7:7-8). The love of God is not only expressed through the Father’s giving, but
also by the Son’s

LEAVING (Philippians 2:6-8). Leaving home is hard, especially when one has lived in the same
place for decades. The comfort, peace, and security is unlike any other. To leave, brings
uncomfortableness. Jesus left heaven; a place of glory, perfection, and holiness. Jesus emptied himself of
heavenly’s bliss to save humanity’s souls by:
• Going from being surrounded by sinlessness to sinfulness (John 1:10-11; 1 John
5:19).
• A change in glory (John 17:5).
• Becoming a man (John 1:14). He suffered; felt hunger and thirst; and felt the mental
agony of humanity.
• Changing forever. His decision to leave heaven meant that He would never be the
same again.
The rich King became the poor Savior, so that we as priests might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

SERVING (Philippians 2:7). Service shows sacrifice and Jesus was the greatest sacrifice (Matthew 20:28; Acts 1:1). He left all an example (John 13:15). God’s great love was shown in the far lengths of service by Jesus’
• Preaching to the lost (Isaiah 61:1; Mark 6:30-35). Jesus traveled as far as Caesarea
Philippi and as low to be parallel with the Dead Sea. Some say he walked around
3,000 miles during His three-year ministry.
• Healing the hurting (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). Jesus healed lepers, restored the blind,
raised the dead, and healed the sick. Imagine the mental, physical, and emotional
toll this brought upon Jesus. Often multitudes of men and women came to Jesus to
be healed of Him.
The greatest evidence of sacrifice is a serving heart and serving hands.

DYING (Philippians 2:8). Humbling led to obeying and obeying led to dying. The love of God was ultimately and explicitly expressed in Christ’s sacrifice (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16). The cruel death on the
cross showed the great lengths Jesus’ love. His attitude of submission (Matthew 26:42) opened the doors
of mocking, scourging, and crucifying. Because of His great love for the sheep, the Good Shepherd lays
down His life for them (John 10:11,15).

The length of God’s love is something unmatched by any person wanting to love today. It would take the
world’s longest tape measure to even begin the measurement of such a wonderful thing.

THE LOVE OF GOD IS DEEP

Stuart Townend would write, “How deep the Father’s love for us?” How would you measure the depth
of the love of God? Would you examine the great love He had for Israel despite their sin? Would you
witness the universal and unconditional love He has for all of mankind? Truly, there is no submarine too
sustainable, nor cord too long to stretch into its wonderous depths. The Mariana Trench being over
36,000 feet deep, would be the beginning point to God’s love. John 3:16 says that God gave His only
begotten Son so that men would not have to perish eternally. Usually, people love those who share things in common. Hobbies, interests, personality types, and religious beliefs, have an important factor into a person’s like or dislike of someone. Many only love those who love them back, but such is an immature love (Matthew 5:43-48). How many would give their life to save another—not many (Romans 5:6-7). True, deep love, is expressed when one cares, is compassionate, and is concerned for those who may not be necessarily the same as the one loving. God’s love is deep.

God’s love is so deep in that it existed before men were saved (Romans 5:8). To demonstrate, is to
exhibit8 or display.9 God’s love did not begin when men started loving Him. Instead, the love of God
existed before anyone or anything did. Despite men’s sinfulness, rebellion, and wickedness, God still
expressed His love toward man. God’s love cannot be earned by anyone because it is God who CHOOSES
to love. When we were still in sin, the wretched, immoral, and wicked sinner; God so loved us.
Too, His love is deep in that He loves EVERY sinner, even the bad ones (Ephesians 2:1-5). God’s love is so
deep that it plunges the wicked sinner and makes him clean, being whiter than snow. Many people were
drowning in the depths of their past
• Deadness. Sinners are walking dead people (cf. 1 Timothy 5:6). Death brings separation (James
2:26). In sin, we were separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2).
• Decision. Walk denotes action. Paul notes that these Christians willingly made the decision to
sin.
• Direction. These Christians were walking toward Satan, the lusts of the flesh, and were children
of wrath.
The word “But” is powerful in Scripture (Luke 15:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Titus 3:3-4). Wicked sinful lifestyles did not prohibit God from showering His love on us. Therefore, we should not ever say
• “How could God ever love me?”
• “God would never love a wicked person like me.”
• “I’ve done too many things in my past for anyone to love me.”
To doubt the love of God is to claim that your sin is too powerful for Him to love you. Though one’s sins
be like scarlet, the red heart of God washes plunges into the depths and makes one whiter than snow
(Isaiah 1:18). Though one has wondered into the FAR country, the Father runs with His loving arms. (Luke
15:11-24). How magnificent is the depth of the love of God!

THE LOVE OF GOD IS HIGH

A teacher asked her little Bible class how high they thought God’s love was. Some said as tall as their
house, others said taller than the world’s tallest building, while another said to the sun. Finally, one little
boy said, “I think it reaches all the way to heaven.” John 3:16 affirms the little boy’s statement in the
statement: “have everlasting life.” When we reference heaven, we usually liken it to something of which
is up. We should remember that

GOD IS HOSPITABLE (Revelation 22:17). Inviting one into one’s home shows love and concern. God’s love is wide, long, and deep, so He may express the height of His love. He invites people to come and
enjoy the marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7) if they have their robe on (cf. Matthew 22:11-13).
Heaven is the result of the love of God. Parents love to give gifts to their children. To see their
faces on Christmas morning, birthdays, or graduation celebrations puts a smile on their faces.

GOD'S LOVE PROMPTS THE GIFT OF HEAVEN (Romans 6:23b). Heaven is going to be so amazing and it is because of God’s great love. There is a proverbial ladder to heaven’s wonders and all one must do it climb each step. What will heaven be like?
• Worship to God (Revelation 4:9-11).
• God will be with us.
• There will be no pain.
• There will be security.
• There will always be light.
• It will be everlasting.
Heaven will truly be wonderful. Because of the love of God, anyone can go there (John 14:2; Revelation
21:16-17).

To measure the love of God would require an eternal yard stick. There is no distance between the
beginning and end because God’s love is eternal. Charles Spurgeon would conclude very simply: “For
breadth the love of Jesus is immensity, for length it is eternity, for depth it is immeasurability, and for
height it is infinity.” One day two sisters were plucking rose petals in their garden outside, thinking about
the boys each one of them liked. They went through the common process, “he loves me, he loves me
not. He loves me, he loves me not.” Eventually, they each plucked the last petal and disappointingly, one
of the sisters end with “he loves me not.” The other one ended with “he loves me.” Sitting inside
watching them was their little sister who wanted to try it too. She went to the garden and started to
pluck the rose petals saying, “he loves me, he loves me, he loves me.” Hearing her “doing it wrong” the
two older sisters instructed her little sister to say, “he loves me, he loves me not.” The little sister
responded with, “no I’m doing it right. You were talking about boys, but I was talking about Jesus.” 10


Endnotes
1 A.P. Gibbs, The Preacher and His Preaching,
2https://www.mathguide.com/lessons/GeometryProofs.html
3https://www.archive.trchurchofchrist.com/resources/Monday%20Class%20Notes/Atrributes%20of%20God%20Shared%20with%20Humans.pdf
4 A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures of the New Testament, eSWORD.
5Biblical Illustrator, eSWORD.
6https://collinsvillecoc.org/sermon_Outlines/2017/201703/The%20Four%20Dimensions%20of%20God's%20Love.pdf
7Michael Hodgin, 1001 Humorous Illustrations For Public Speaking, p. 214.
8Strong’s Concordance, eSWORD.
9Jamieson-Fausett-Brown, eSWORD.
10https://n.b5z.net/i/u/6129689/f/2020_05_03_SERMON_LOVE_OF_GOD.pdf