Matthew 26:47-50
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Did Jesus love Judas less than John the beloved? Would He have forgiven Judas like He forgave Peter? Was He just keeping Judas around because He knew a betrayer was a necessary part of the plan? We need only look at Jesus’ response to Judas in the garden to know the answers to those questions. The truth is, Jesus still loved Judas. Surely He did not condone Judas’ actions, but surely He did not hate Judas, because He loves us while we are yet sinners.

God is love, and He loves us both before we sin and after. He loves us whether we ever get right with Him or not. He loves the most wicked sinner and the purest saint. He loves the whole world, so that means every single person who exists. He is love and He is always love, and what we do or don’t do doesn’t change that. There is always mercy and grace in His heart. He rejoices at our repentance and salvation. But He loves even those who reject Him.

God’s love doesn’t change, but His love can change us. It can change our eternity, sending us into life instead of death, light instead of darkness. It can change our relationship with Him and our relationships with others. It can change our experience of life in this world. It can change our hearts and our minds. It is such a powerful force that it is enough to overcome all that we, in our sinfulness, may bring against it. Judas chose to betray, but Jesus did not. His love endures. His love surpasses. His love enables us to come to know Him and serve Him and then live for Him until we go to be with Him where He is.