Good Friday 2025: God Is Love — A Message of Redemption and Assurance

At this year’s Good Friday Service, Pastor Yonathan Wiryohadi delivered a moving message that re-centered the church on one unshakable truth: God is Love. The cross isn’t just a symbol of sacrifice, but the greatest expression of divine love for a broken and sinful world.

The Nature of God Is Love

Pastor Wiryohadi opened by reminding us from 1 John 4:8,16 that love isn’t just something God does — it’s who He is. Those who live in God, live in love. And that love was revealed when the Father sent His only Son into the world so we, who should’ve been condemned, might instead receive eternal life (1 John 4:9, John 3:16).

“We deserved punishment and hell, but through Jesus, we’ve received the greatest blessing and grace: salvation.” (1 John 4:14)

3 Signs That We Live in God’s Love

1️⃣ Loving Others — Even the Least Among Us

True evidence of God’s love within us is shown when we extend love to others, including the marginalized (1 John 4:20, Matthew 25:33-40). Pastor Wiryohadi reflected on the story of Mary in Luke 7:40-47, whose deep love for Jesus was expressed in three ways:

• Tears to wash His feet — Symbolizing heartfelt prayer, intercession for family, church, city, and nation.

• Hair to wipe His feet — Offering what’s valuable for God’s glory.

• Anointing His feet with perfume — Giving our best for His service.

2️⃣ Having Confidence on the Day of Judgment

When God’s love fills our hearts, fear of judgment is replaced with confidence, because we have assurance of entering His Kingdom (1 John 4:17, John 3:3-5).

3️⃣ Living Free from Fear

Where love reigns, fear cannot exist. “Perfect love drives out fear” because fear is rooted in punishment. Those who live in God’s love live with peace and certainty in their relationship with Him (1 John 4:18).

A Good Friday Reminder

Pastor Wiryohadi closed by encouraging every believer to not just commemorate Christ’s sacrifice but to actively live in His love—by loving others, holding firm to salvation’s assurance, and walking free from fear.

The cross is God’s eternal declaration: “I love you.”