What's So Special About Love?
Love draws people towards it. It connects people with a purpose. It motivates people to action. It lightens burdens. It heals people hearts. It takes away pain. It empathizes. It makes people feel safe. It gives people strength. It gives people hope.
God is Love
Do you see the similarities between love and God?
Love does what God is!
Love (God) changes our lives and the way we live them. Love empowers us. When we know that someone “has our back” or will never give up or abandon us, we live differently. We live free. We live more boldly because we feel safe. We may not always win our battles but at least we know we have someone continually by our side. We’re never alone. That’s what God’s love brings to the table.
The Depth of God’s Love
Do we fully understand the depth of God’s love for us? Do I get how much He loves me? Do you get how much He loves you?
We’re His creation – His children and He loves us. Even when our sin separates us from God, He never stops wanting to reestablish a loving relationship with us.
God’s desire is for us to be with Him. That desire is clearly shown in John chapter 17 when Jesus is praying in the garden of Gethsemane. Despite His anguish over what He knows is about to happen to Him, He doesn’t pray only for Himself. He prays for the ones He is about to leave behind (that includes you and me).
“My prayer is not for them alone (disciples). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you…Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” (John 17:20,21,24)
Did you catch that? He wants us to be with Him where He is. There is something truly special about the fact that the Son of Man prayed for you and me (and still does). His love is expressed through the pain of leaving us behind and the hope of seeing us again.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son.” John 3:16
I am utterly convinced the depth of God’s love is so strong that even if there was just one sinner (could be you – could be me) left on earth to save, He would still allow His son to die. He loves each of us that much. That’s a love that should not be taken lightly. That’s a love that should empower us to love more.
Never doubt God’s love for you! It’s very real!
Accept it. Run with it. Nurture it. And most importantly – share it!
I learned a lesson today.