And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5 (NIV)
Series Focus: “Through His Eyes”
“Love,” is one of the most spoken words in the English language. Don’t you find it peculiar, in that, we use it to describe so many different things? We claim to love our books, TV shows, ice cream, hobbies, sports, or even our favorite color of nail polish. And in the same breath, we use it to express our feelings toward people. Not just people, in general, but those having the strongest bonds or relationships with us. How does a word that is so commonly used, still hold so much value to the one who hears – “I love you?”
What if there is a much deeper purpose behind this little four-letter word? Could it be we were created to love? Think about it. Most of us have experienced this deep sense of affection, admiration, or attachment, to another human being, whether it be a romantic relationship, a parent/child, or even a close friendship. Our connection, trust, and desire to protect those we love strengthen as we become more and more devoted to them. If this is true, it makes sense that love began from the beginning in God our Father and Creator. Take a look at these scriptures:
Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.(1 John 4:7-8 NASB)
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1 John 4:16 ESV)
In the purest sense: God is Love.
The love God has for you is embedded into who you are. He loved you before you were even born. Your identity began out of the Father’s love for you. Sisters, you are loved. How can it be, when we don’t always feel it? How can we trust when we seem separated from Him? Surely our past mistakes must disqualify us from His love. That lie is exactly what the enemy wants you to believe. God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Satan says, “Does God truly love you?” When we abide in God’s Word, sit in His presence and be still, or ask Him for wisdom and truth in our prayers, He will be there. Nothing can separate us from the love of God because Jesus came to establish it.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 5:37-39 ESV)
God has given us assurance through His Son—He loved us first. I believe God wishes for you to love His son, Jesus, just as He loves you. Through that surrender and love you will have a place with Him in eternity.
You will always be loved, but it is your choice to choose to love in return. I pray you can receive His gift, the ultimate of all loves. And when you do, you will find His love can’t be compared to anything else.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: 1 John 4:7-8, 16; Romans 5:5, 8:37-39; John 3:16; John 14:6; Jeremiah 31:3