What do we mean by reckless?
The word “reckless” does not appear in the Bible as a description of God’s love. In everyday speech, it usually means acting without thought for consequences. In that sense, no, God’s love is never reckless. He knows fully, judges rightly, and works with wisdom (Romans 11:33).
Yet people sometimes use the word differently. They mean that God’s love seems extravagant, surprising, and willing to come after those who have wandered far. That picture does fit the Bible, as long as we do not mean God is foolish or careless.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
A love that comes looking
Jesus told of a shepherd who notices one lost sheep and goes after it, then rejoices when it is found (Luke 15:4-7). The point is not that the shepherd neglects what matters. It is that each lost person matters deeply to God. Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost (Luke 19:10).
That is a hopeful truth for anyone who feels far away, ashamed, or overlooked. God’s welcome is not reserved for people who have already put themselves right. Jesus often moved towards people others avoided, calling them to trust him and turn from sin (Mark 2:15-17).
Costly, but never careless
God’s love does not pretend evil is harmless. The cross shows both the seriousness of sin and the depth of mercy. God sent his Son so that people might live through him, and Jesus became the sacrifice that deals with sin rather than simply excusing it (1 John 4:9-10).
Jesus was not trapped by events or forced unwillingly into death. He gave his life freely, in obedience to the Father’s purpose (John 10:17-18). His love was costly beyond words, but it was deliberate. The resurrection confirms that death and sin did not have the final word (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Love and holiness belong together
God’s love is not sentimental approval of everything we do. He loves people enough to tell the truth, forgive sin, and call them into new life. Paul describes salvation as God’s kindness, not something earned by good works, and also says that those who receive grace are made for a life of good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).
So perhaps “lavish” or “pursuing” says it better than “reckless”. God does not love vaguely or from a safe distance. He acts with holy purpose to bring people back to himself. Read the Gospel accounts and notice Jesus for yourself. His compassion is real, and so is his call to follow him (John 14:15).
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.