I don’t know what it is about God’s love that makes it so hard for us to accept. But I do know there was a time I couldn’t even imagine how He could possibly love me.
Undeserving of God’s Love
As a child I learned God loves those who keep His commandments. Which sounds biblical. Right? But I dare you to find it in the Bible. Go ahead. I’ll wait while you look.
I honestly couldn’t say if this is what I was taught or if it was just how my brain interpreted the teaching.
Either way, it wasn’t such a huge issue so long as I thought I was being good.
But then I started to make a mess of things.
And the more I tried to be better, the bigger I realized my messes actually were and the more impossible keeping God’s standards became. I spiraled into despair knowing how much God hates sin and assuming the same must be true for me. I felt like Eve trying to hide from an angry God, yet knowing there was no where I could go to escape His notice.
The truth is this…
God’s Love Came First
God loved me long before I even realized what a wretched sinner I am. God loved me long before I even thought trying to quit sinning. God loves me despite the sin I struggle with today. No matter what I have done or will ever do.
In fact, I cannot earn His love. I could never do enough, obey enough, be good enough.
But He loves me anyway.
And He loves you the same.
He loves us so much He sent His only Son to die for us. And that Son, Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, took every one of our sins (past, present, and future) to the cross. He bore the punishment required to atone for them so we could enjoy a right relationship with the Father and the forgiveness of sins forever. This is the WONDER of God’s love.
God’s Love > Satan’s Lies
It is so scandalous that it can be hard to believe. It flies in the face of our culture at every turn. A culture that tells us to:
Be more. Do more. Earn your place.
You can do it. You are enough.
Work for it.
Become the woman he wants.
Every catchy slogan we use to encourage and comfort one another screams of self-love and personal improvement to prove we are worthy. It’s too easy to hear those and assume that’s the way God’s love works, too. But it doesn’t. That is what is so WONDERful about God’s love.
Now, when Satan tries to tell me I don’t deserve God’s love, I tell him he’s right. But I don’t have to deserve it. Jesus earned for me! I cling to His promises in the face of my own failures and let His love for me be enough. That’s my prayer for you, too!
Love Before Obedience
You see, real change didn’t come in my life because I tried to earn God’s love. I only began to overcome my messes when I realized how much He already loved me. As my awe and reverence for God deepened it replaced my fear of retribution. The price
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
John 14:15
But only Jesus was capable of loving so completely. His love for the Father and us was perfect. So perfect, in fact, that He was obedient unto death. I am painfully aware of all the ways my love is lacking. But
God’s Love Notes to You
All this month, I’m offering a coupon to anyone who joins the growing community around My Messy Desk for the cost of this very special Valentine’s themed digital
Linking Up With
For more encouragement please join the discussions on these fabulous blog link ups – Suzanne Eller, Faith On Fire, Susan B. Mead, Faith Filled Friday, Grace and Truth, Faith and Fellowship Friday, Soul Survival, Rah Rah Link Up, Tell His Story, Sitting Among Friends, Testimony Tuesday, Planting Roots, and Fresh Market Friday, Salt and Light, and Becoming Press’s Writer Wednesday, Moments of Hope
A great post! We are so blessed to be loved by the Lord with such unconditional love. It is difficult for us to even understand or believe because “love” in this world is so different. We need to be reminded of how wondrous His love really is. Thank you!
We are lucky that salvation is based not on works, but on God’s grace and love alone. His love is everlasting and unconditional. Thank you for your encouraging post!
Thanks, Liz….love you….xo