In 1 John 4:88He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:8), we get the character of God. "God is love" is the family feature of the children of God, and "every one that loveth is horn of God." The righteousness and holiness of God have reference to the sphere of things created, but here we are shown the character of God in His own sphere.
How sweet the thought, as the contrast with all that man is, that God is love: no selfishness there and no having to turn away from Him because we cannot get anything. As rain on the thirsty ground, the soul draws in the thought that God is love. It is a balm to soothe the soul under all circumstances, and not only that, but the mind is drawn into certain scenes where it finds that love has been displayed. God thought of poor sinners thought to send His Son to die that we might live through Him.
Who and what were those for whom He was sent? Poor creatures that were dead in trespasses and sins. Nothing but particles of dust driven round by Satan and going into the vortex of destruction. God could say, They may be dead and they may be as dust in Satan's hand, but I will send My Son to give them life. Throughout eternity we shall rejoice in God's thought of sending this Son of His love to give life to dead sinners. Christ was given to us as eternal life. I should have been dead for eternity if God had not interfered to give me life in His Son and a nature capable of enjoying all in the glory.