- 1 John 3:1-3 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
- Hebrews 12:5-6 - And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Sometimes, even for believers, it is difficult to fully accept God's love. There can be several reasons for this.
Our personal relationship experiences. The love or lack thereof that we observe from people can influence our thoughts about God. But God's love is not like human love. Human love can be conditional, whereas God's love springs from His unchanging nature.
Feelings of guilt. Sometimes we think: "If I did this, God can no longer love me." But the Bible teaches us the opposite. God's love is not dependent on our successes or failures.
Legalism. Some people view the Bible as a set of rules to earn God's love. However, God gave us His Word not for us to earn His love, but to know Him more intimately and to grow in relationship with Him.
Misunderstanding God's discipline. When God disciplines us, it does not mean He is rejecting us. His discipline stems from love, not from a desire to punish. Jesus has already fully paid the price for our sins, and God does not punish us again for the same sins.
Reflection
We can neither earn nor lose God's love. This love is based not on our behavior, but on God's unchanging character.
If you have put your faith in Jesus as your Savior, you are a child of God and belong to Him eternally. The purpose of Christian life now is not to earn God's love, but to learn to live in that love and enjoy your relationship with Him.
Prayer:
Lord, remove everything from my life that hinders me from accepting Your unconditional love. Teach me to trust in Your unchanging promises, not in my feelings and actions. Thank You for loving me in Jesus, accepting me, and making me Your child forever. Amen.
Reflection
Is there anything in your life that prevents you from fully accepting God's unconditional love?
