I think the reason why most Christians wrestle with the truth that God loves each of us, is because it seems so simple. But while God is certainly complex, He is not complicated. We do not need to have a PhD in any earthly subject to understand our Father’s unconditional Love. But perhaps that word is what stumps us: “unconditional”! Sadly, we humans tend to place all sorts of conditions on the way we give and receive love. We think in terms of, “I love you until…or I love you if…or I love you when,” and so on go the stipulations. This is just not so with God.
We see evidence all over the Bible of this, don’t we? Loving a Deceiver? Elevating an Adulterer? Forgiving a Denier? Working through a Murderer? Yet God used Jacob, David, Peter and Paul greatly in His Kingdom, right? And He did so because He loved them, regardless of their flaws, faults and failures. And it was that unconditional Love that changed their lives forever, gave them a New Identity as God adopted them into His Forever Family. Because these Saints were bold enough to take God at His Word, they were equipped enough to spread His Grace. Because they were changed, our lives can be affected because of their Faith as well. How many people around us, or even after us, can have their lives changed because of our Faith? All because we choose to believe that God Loves us and has adopted us.
You see, it is not only vital that you believe God Loves you for your own benefit, but it is important to others around you as well. Mr Lucado says, “The adoption is horizontal as well as vertical. You are included in the forever family. Dividing walls of hostility or broken down, and community is created on the basis of a common father. Instant family worldwide!” (p121) Your Salvation, and subsequent Sanctification, affects more than just you, my Friends. There is a whole world of lost souls that need to be brought into the Father’s Presence so that they can know that they too are loved. That they too can become a significant member of His Forever Family. That they too can spread His Grace onto everyone they encounter. Please write these words down somewhere and repeat them often: I am loved. I am important. I matter. All because I am God’s beloved, holy child. Once again I say: Trust The Cross, God loves YOU!
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
<>< Peace, Diane
