The core of our faith rests in this statement. It only makes sense if we know how much we are loved. I have found that so many people call themselves believers but seem to have a very difficult time realizing that God truly loves them. They do all the right things but for the wrong reasons. Legalism. If I perform perfectly than I will be accepted by God and He will not punish me. A far cry from the gospel found in the Bible.
God’s love is an amazing gift to us. A free gift. Given to us because of who He is. We do nothing..abolutely nothing right in order to be loved by Him. Jesus did it all.. every bit of it..we are to receive it as it was an intended..a gift.
Once we have received this gift.. we must make sure that we don’t revert to old patterns and try to earn God’s approval. It does not work. Legalism again. The greater challenge is to keep remembering His love for us and find out what things keep us from receiving that love. Are we running from Him..turning to idols..worshiping the things of this world..giving in to fear and worry? He is pursuing us but we have free will. He wants us for Himself but He wants us to give ourselves willingly and fully.
As we live in the light of this love He has for us we will begin truly loving God..out of the overflow of what He gives us.. we will love one another. It cannot be done any other way. He is the source and the one that we must depend upon. God’s love and His grace are available to you.. He is waiting for you to turn and say yes to Him. Now is a good time.
“This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends since God loved us, we also ought to love one another. “
Alicia's Roses 