The last phrase of verse four is “in love.” There has been a great deal of discussion concerning where this phrase belongs by translators and commentaries. Does it go with “holy and blameless” in verse four or does it belong with “he predestined us” in verse five. It will fit with either, but it flows better with verse five. When the word love is translated, there are four different words in the Greek. “In love” used here in the original language means unselfish caring. There are lots of verses which emphasize love. In the contexts of the whole sentence it is showing how much God loves us. Remember God is love. God’s love is beyond our comprehension to fully understand His love expressed for mankind but it can be seen in His Son, Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to be our mediator, our advocate and our atoning sacrifice. In order for an individual to come before the Father, he must be holy. Sin keeps an individual from being holy. The only way to overcome sin is through Jesus Christ.
Some translations have “sight in love.” This brings the focus to the individual rather than God, which expresses how the individual loves. John writes in First John 4:7-8, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know, because God is love.” God created us with the attribute to love and be loved. Many, who feel life is not worth living, are depressed from the lack of love. Individuals need to be reminded that even when they feel unloved God has been and always will be with them. It is the sin in the individual’s life God hates. When you are a part of a group of Christians the love of Christ flows through them to you giving you the faith to trust in Jesus knowing He will help you through all situations.
This love carries over because “in love he predestined us.” There is no doubt God loves His greatest creation, mankind. He created us with the ability to choose. Mankind often chooses the wrong path which leads him away from God. So how does predestine fit here. God knew man would eventually sin and therefore provided the plan for mankind to have the opportunity to be brought back into the right relationship with God. The plan is for all who will accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will become His children. What a blessing and encouragement to know there is a way to have the right relationship with God. What way are you going to choose? CONSIDER THIS VERY CAREFULLY TO HAVE A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!!!