Before John Newton ever preached grace, he despised it.
As a young man, John Newton lived a reckless, profane life. He rejected the faith of his upbringing, mocked Christianity, and became involved in the slave trade—participating in one of history’s darkest evils. By his own later admission, he was not merely indifferent toward God; he was openly hostile to Him.
Yet God did not wait for Newton to become worthy.
During a violent storm at sea, when death seemed inevitable, God spared his life and slowly began to soften his hardened heart. Forgiveness was not earned. Grace was not negotiated. Love was bestowed—freely, undeservedly, and decisively. Years later, reflecting on that mercy, Newton would write words the world still sings: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”
That is what bestowed love looks like.
The apostle John invites us to marvel at the same reality: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)
The apostle John does not begin this verse with instruction, but with invitation. Behold. Stop. Look closely. Consider carefully. What he is about to describe is not ordinary love, not cautious love, not love measured by merit or performance. It is a love that must be marveled at—a love that has been bestowed.
To bestow love is to give it freely, deliberately, and generously. It is not extracted or earned. It is conferred. That is exactly how God loves us.
John tells us the Father has bestowed His love upon us, and the result is staggering: we are called children of God. Not tolerated subjects. Not reluctant servants. Sons and daughters. The Father did not merely forgive us; He adopted us. He did not simply rescue us; He welcomed us into His family. This is love placed upon us by divine choice, not human worth.
Notice that John does not say God felt love toward us, but that He gave love to us. God’s love is not passive affection—it is active generosity. The cross itself is the greatest act of bestowed love, where God moved toward us while we were still broken, wandering, and undeserving. Love took initiative. Love moved first.
And this is where the verse gently but firmly turns toward us. If love has been bestowed upon us, then love is meant to be bestowed through us.
Our theme this year, “Love More, Give More, speaks to a Christian life is not merely about receiving love; it is about reflecting it. We do not generate love on our own—we pass along what we have already received. Bestowed love does not terminate with us. It flows through us.
To bestow love on others is to love intentionally, not selectively. It is to offer grace before it is requested. It is to forgive before it is deserved. It is to show kindness without calculating the return. It is speaking affirmation into someone’s life when they feel unseen and unappreciated. It is giving giving time when and attention when it costs you something. This love is given with joy, not reluctance.
Bestowed love crosses boundaries, absorbs cost, and chooses generosity over convenience. This kind of love does not ask, “Who is worthy?” It asks, “Who is in need?”
When we bestow love, we mirror our Father. We speak life into discouraged hearts. We offer patience in strained relationships. We remain present when withdrawal would be easier. In a world trained to withhold love until it is proven safe, bestowed love stands out as holy and courageous.
John’s amazement still speaks to us today: “Behold what manner of love…” Look again. Remember again. God’s love toward you was not cautious or delayed. It was intentional and abundant. And the more deeply we grasp that truth, the more freely we can love others.
Because the Father has bestowed His love upon us, we now have both the privilege and the calling to bestow love in our families, communities, churches, and even the unbelieving around us.
As noted from previous posts:
Love grows.
Love knows.
Love shows
Love glows.
But, ultimately, love bestows..
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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