The Dominant Attribute: Love in the Characteristics of God

Throughout the various religious and philosophical explorations, one attribute has consistently stood out as paramount: love. Many theologians, scholars, and even non-religious individuals often grapple with the question of which attribute of God is above all others. In this essay, we explore this question through scripture and reasoning, ultimately concluding that love is indeed the dominant attribute of God.

Love as the Essence of God

In the Christian tradition, the scripture explicitly declares 'God is love' (1 John 4:8). This statement goes beyond attributing love as one of God’s many admirable qualities; it identifies love as the fundamental essence of God. The apostle John’s writings emphasize that without love, a person cannot know God (1 John 4:8). This profound statement underscores the centrality of love in the experience of God and human interaction with the divine.

Attributes of God: A Divine Manifestation

One way to understand God’s attributes is by examining the manifestation of these qualities in Jesus Christ. The Son of God, as the embodiment of the Father’s will and desires, reveals God’s attributes most clearly. No man can access the Father except through the Son (John 14:6). Thus, to understand God's attributes, we need only study the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we see manifestations of wisdom, justice, and power, all motivated by the overwhelming force of love.

Love as the Motivating Force

Looking into the concept of love as the primary attribute, it is evident that love is the driving force behind God’s interactions and purposes. God’s wisdom, justice, and power are not independent qualities; they are expressions of love. For instance, in the Old Testament, while God’s directives regarding holiness (Leviticus 11:45) and justice (Deuteronomy 16:20) are present, it is ultimately through love that these qualities are realized. The balance of these attributes is harmonized by the love of God, which ensures that all actions serve the greater good and align with His compassionate nature.

The Role of Love in Creation

The Old Testament paints a vivid picture of God as the Creator, but it is often overlooked that His original act of creation was driven by love. God, who existed alone and was not a creation, chose to give life to those who would appreciate it, motivated by love (1 John 4:8). This act of creation took place in the 3rd heaven, the immaterial realm where God dwells, before progressing to the physical world (Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 45:18).

Attributes of Jehovah

The four cardinal attributes of Jehovah—wisdom, justice, power, and love—demonstrate the balanced and well-rounded nature of God. While wisdom, justice, and power are essential qualities, they serve under the guiding principle of love. In the Bible, God’s commands to be holy (Leviticus 11:44-45) are given out of love. God’s power and justice are not separate entities but expressions of His love, which ensures that His actions serve His purpose of creating and sustaining life (Job 12:13).

Conclusion: God is Love

In summary, while God possesses many attributes, including wisdom, justice, power, and holiness, the attribute that stands above all others is love. Love is the motivating force behind all of God’s actions and the defining characteristic of His being. As stated in 1 John 4:8, 'God is love,' reminding us that our understanding of God’s attributes is incomplete unless we consider love as the central theme of His character.