- Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
- Romans 8:38-39 - For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Psalms 139:13-16 - For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
- Ephesians 1:4-5 - According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
God's love is not something to be earned or lost. It does not originate from our behavior, but from God's very nature. For those who are new to faith, it can sometimes be difficult to accept that God loves them just as they are. This is because the world we live in is often built on conditional love. People often accept or reject us based on our success, behavior, or achievements. Therefore, many believers think that they must constantly prove themselves to earn God's favor and blessings. But the Gospel teaches a completely different truth. God's love is not earned by human effort. There is nothing we can do to make Him love us more. At the same time, there is nothing we can do that can separate us from His love. God did not start loving you only from the day you believed in Him. He knew you and loved you from the beginning. The truth is this: Salvation is given by grace, through faith in Christ alone. God's love and our acceptance are based not on our performance, but on the finished work of Christ. Rest in God's love today. Stop trying to prove yourself and remember that He already loves you. Live not in fear, but by trusting in His grace.
Prayer: «Father, forgive me for the times when I thought I had to earn Your love. Help me not to forget that You have already accepted me in Christ. Let my life be guided not by fear, but by Your unchanging love. In Jesus' name, amen.»
Reflection
In which areas do you feel like you are 'striving' to earn God's love, and how can you release that burden today?
