How do we know God really loves us? Would we know because we feel it? Are we just supposed to accept God’s love as factual? What difference does it make whether God loves us or not? After all, can we really count on God to love us? Isn’t He too busy with some BIG problem somewhere to focus on showing some love our way? Besides, what does it really mean to be loved by God and what difference does that make anyway?
These questions about God’s love come straight from the heart, right? Have you ever wondered where God is when you need Him? A lot of people have these kinds of questions. After all, we live in a three-dimensional world with lots of stress and we can’t exactly see God, even though we sense or hope He’s really there.
God’s Merciful Love
To answer these questions, we need to take a closer look at God’s character quality of being merciful. While God shows mercy, He is merciful, the quality of His character that shows compassion and love. Our merciful God is more than a feeling of being loved. God actively demonstrates His love toward us.
The depth of genuine desire to have a relationship with us is demonstrated by God sending His son Jesus to enable our sinful nature to be forgiven and have a personal connection with our Holy God. The sacrifice of His son shows us that yes, God really loves us. Such a profound love is difficult to humanly comprehend, but as Craig Groeschel of Life.Church states, “He loves us NOT because of what we’ve done but because of who He is.”
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34, NLT
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” – Romans 5:8, NLT
God’s Love is Personal
God knows us personally, including our needs, our sin, our desires, emptiness, as well as our potential. He also thinks about us, answers our prayers, and guides because He knows us. His love is personal! “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” – Romans 5:5, NLT
“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.
In Jesus’ words,
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John 14:21, NLT
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” – John 15:9-12, NLT
God’s Love Satisfies
In a world where so much depends on tangible stuff, like the “need” for WIFI, a computer, smartphone, electricity, not to mention food, water, clothes, shelter; the list goes on. Right? However, none of these things has the power to truly satisfy our souls. Momentary happiness, yes. However, a truly satisfied soul at rest in peace in absolute love, can only be satisfied through a connection with our Sovereign Holy God.
Why?
Because God is love. It’s that simple and yet, we get so distracted so easily. Instead of prayer or worship, it’s incredibly easy to reach for an app on our phones or surf Netflix for a quick dopamine boost. Prayer and worship require intent and dedication to pursue the things of God. The result of intentionally pursuing God, is a loving connection with the One who is Holy and who truly loves us. God loves us even when we face loss, broken relationships, failure, financial struggle–all of life’s stormy battles. Instead of temporary happiness, only God’s love can truly satisfy us.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT
“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27, NLT
Living in God’s Love
If having faith in God’s love sounds too good to be true, learn more. Living in God’s love is an awareness and ongoing connection with God’s love. It may not be a feeling, and it’s more than a mere fact. It also requires that we know our place. As children of God, we have a heavenly (not earthly) loving and holy Father. That means He wants our attention. Just like an earthly father would be there to comfort, guide, listen, and encourage, our heavenly Father is there to comfort, guide, listen, and encourage. However, God’s love is so much more complete! We have the love from the One who knows all, made all, and loves us.
To live in God’s love, we can read the Bible, thank God for our blessings, listen to worship songs, pray to God, listen to God, sing, as well as attend church to worship with others and learn more about Him. In short, we seek God. He is already reaching after you and waiting for you to notice. Will you notice and seek Him in order to live in His love?
Another part of living in God’s love is recognizing how our sin separates us from our holy, sovereign God. Out of His love, God forgives us and made a way for us to have a relationship with Him. Jesus is our connection. Jesus made it all possible. He took our consequence of being sinful when he died on the cross. He was the sacrifice instead of we who sin. Since God is holy, he cannot tolerate sin. He offers forgiveness so that we can have a relationship with Him. God’s love truly matters. It’s a very big deal.
What Does God’s Love Mean?
God is as near as the air we breathe. His love is that near too. It means we can count on Him and trust Him with everything in all situations.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
If God’s love seems awkward or too good to be true, like a fairy tale for children, then tell God about your difficulty believing in Him. Try talking aloud with God right now. Tell Him what makes the relationship with Him unsure. Ask:
- for help to fully know God’s love,
- for forgiveness,
- to know Jesus.
Tell God about your struggles. And then…listen. Listen for a new sense of clarity. Do you sense a new revelation, feel a gentle nudge to follow through by reading scripture or with an act of love toward someone?
Try talking with God again tomorrow too. While we live in an ever-changing world, God’s love is real and constant. We can always count on Him, and that means everything!
God’s Love Matters
God’s love makes a difference. When life is pelting us with unrelenting difficulties, God is our source of refuge and strength. God’s love renews and restores. We have love and grace to give because God freely gives to those who love Him. When we are renewed through God’s love and grace, we can face challenges and continue showing love to others. We are also strengthened and given wisdom to handle the difficulties inherent in life. Without God’s love, we wouldn’t know forgiveness. God made forgiveness of our sinful nature possible. We are loved and it matters. In fact, God’s love makes life possible.
Summary:
For without God’s loving presence, we would be left to depend on the ways of the world, a life adrift at the mercy of changing tides and earthly whims. What would our anchor be, but a meaningless, changing philosophy absent of the sovereign power to heal, protect, provide, comfort, and guide?
“Long ago the Lord said to Israel:
“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.
With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3, NLT
“I publicly proclaim bold promises.
I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.
I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me
if I could not be found.
I, the Lord, speak only what is true
and declare only what is right.” Isaiah 45:19, NLT
Going Deeper with God’s Love
Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, Renew Your Soul by Jennifer Tucker
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