This Sunday millions celebrate, Valentines Day. So, don’t you think this a good week to talk about love? Actually, every day is a good day to talk about love.
Has anyone ever told you, “God loves you”? Maybe at times you yourself have said that to others; I certainly have said it to people many, many times. But why does God love you and me? What is it we need to do so thatHe will still love us?
I heard a fantastic statement the other day from John Maxwell. He said, “God doesn’t love me because I’m lovable; He loves me because He is God.” That is not only a true statement, but it is very powerful. Do you know why?
It’s easy for me to think that God loves me when I believe what I am doing is right in His eyes. But what about when I fall short? Does He still love me? Does He love me less when I mess up and more when I do right?
The Bible says that God is love. That is His very nature. The reason God loves me and the reason God loves you is because He is God, and His very nature is love.
I think you would agree that the love people have for each other can and does fluctuate, right? But God is not a human being, and too often people equate the actions of humans with God Almighty. God’s very nature is love and that does not change.
Not Only That…
The scriptures also say that there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. That would include when you miss the mark. Your weaknesses and your falling short do not ever change the love God has for you.
On your best day, when it seems you are doing everything right, God does not love you any more than He did the day before. On your worst day, when it seems you are doing everything wrong, God does not love you any less than He did the day before. His very nature is love and that does not change.
When you think and consider this, and let it “brew” awhile, it is rather overwhelming, don’t you think? I know it is for me. My brain is a bit too small to grasp just how big this really is. God loves me unconditionally!
Sadly
Now the sad part in all of this is there are people who are working really hard to do everything right so that God will love them. But if you think about it logically, what work could you or I ever possibly do that would impress the Creator of the heavens and the earth enough to gain His love?
People are taught to just keep striving and working for God’s love. And when they miss the mark, then they have to make up for lost ground. Some spend their whole lives trying to be accepted by God and obtain His love. Those who teach others to live this way are very ignorant of God’s great grace, and the completed work of Christ.
Why Do You Love God?
So, God loves you unconditionally; He loves you when you are good and He loves you when you are not so good. There is nothing that can separate you from His love. Isn’t that why you love Him?
The Bible says we love Him because He first loved us. God initiated the love, not us. He so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son. His very nature is love, and He chose to love you and me first, unconditionally.
When you stop and take a look at how good and loving God is, and how much He has done for you and me, how can you not love Him? When you see all that we have been given because of Christ’s completed work, including forgiveness, being made righteous and accepted before Him, how can you not love Him? When you read in the Bible of some of the things He has prepared for all of us when Christ returns, how can you not love Him?
God’s very nature is love. He loves you because that’s Who He is. We in turn love Him because He first loved us.
It’s always good to be reminded of God’s unconditional love. We can’t earn it, we can’t lose it, we can just accept or reject it, choose to enjoy or ignore it. Thanks for the reminder of our Father’s boundless love!
Chere, you are right – always a blessing to think about the Father’s love;
God bless you.
Hi Mike !! 🙂
Thank you for another wonderful post coupled with your insight and spiritual understanding ! And by the way, Happy Heart Day to you and Kathy <3 🙂
Would it not be great if every day were treated like Valentine's Day.. ? I am thankful that we all have one day of the year where we really practice (put into application) loving folks God's way and not just hypocritical loving according to feelings that come and go..hence; Valentine's Day, I can be loving with God's love not only to God and Jesus Christ, but to me as well and the folks in the world. When we look at it that way, Valentine's Day becomes pretty silly. Love without hypocrisy , which is certainly God and Jesus Christ on an every day basis makes more sense to me. BUT as I say at least one day is put aside to be more like our Father, what can we do for Him and Jesus Christ rather than what can someone do for me on Heart Day. I don't love God and folks because I need them, but rather I need them because I love them ! I believe our Father and Jesus Christ think the same about us; hence, unconditional love our Father and brother…. <3 <3 and we as imitators of them. When Christ returns may our lives be one majorly huge Valentine's Day !!! 🙂 Why not start practicing now 🙂 Happy Valentine's Day with hugs and prayers and love always !!! Carol <3
PS. Please forgive the length of this comment…hahahaha (Typical) 🙂
GOD BLESS YOU !!!
Carol, thanks for sharing your love and hearts.
And, yes, typical length lol.
Love you, God bless you.