Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children. . .
— ! John 3:1 (TPT)
Even though I grew up hearing about Jesus and God and having the Bible stories read to me, my focus was not on how much God loved me, but on what I needed to do to please Him. I sang Jesus loves me this I know . . . But it was always about being kind and good and obeying the commandments.
Without realizing it, my understanding of God’s love was eros, human love. So, I learned to use a lot of will power to do right and be right. And when I failed, I felt sooooo bad. I felt God was displeased with me and really didn’t want to talk to me until I got it back together. There were a lot of ups and downs in my walk as a Christian and a fair amount of condemnation.
Agape love is a lot different from eros which we learned about in last month’s devotionals. God values you and loves you because you are – you are alive.
Read the verse above with me now, taking it to heart. Make it personal. Look with wonder – amazement at the Father’s heart of love for you. You are the one He has lavished His love on by sending Jesus to exchange places with you. You are His treasure. He is more concerned that you receive and live everyday in His love than He is in your actions. Good actions follow knowing you are loved.
When you begin to allow yourself to experience His love, the doing and being will follow without having to use will power.
“Delight in being the object of God’s love”
Run To Him