This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. -1 John 4:10
The gospel begins with a love story so great that people call it radical. It’s often seen as offensive because it’s so pure, humanity struggles to wrap its mind around it. His love for us is unmatched.
He created us with the need for a love that can only come from Him. He also created us with the capacity to love Him and love others, simply because He loved us first. His love pursues and invites us. Even when we don’t receive it, it’s still there. He’s still there.
Look At the Love of God for You
God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. -1 John 4:16
God is the very definition of [agape] love. The way He loves us is so deep and so complete that when we believe and receive His love, there is a freedom and joy that follows.
It’s not dependent on how we act nor how we feel. His love just always is. It’s for you and forever. A huge part of living the Christian faith is believing and walking in this love—and many of us don’t. We don’t think we’re worthy of love, so we don’t believe it’s for us.
Or we believe God’s love is rooted in getting what we want or think we need. When that doesn’t happen, we believe God must not love us. His love is so much deeper and lasting than our own desires and feelings. To truly accept and receive His love, we must ensure our definition is aligned with His. God’s love is His commitment to our good. He doesn’t just choose to love. He is love.
Receive and Trust His Love for You
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights who does not change like shifting shadows. -James 1:17
God doesn’t just ask us to be devoted to Him; He is completely devoted to us. His love is poured out through His faithfulness, mercy, and steadfastness.
He never abandons us, even when we’re struggling. He never condemns us, and we are always secure in his hands.
This isn’t just who God is. It’s who God is toward you.
So how do we receive and trust His love? The answer may surprise you.
God’s love is best seen in practicing gratitude. Pause, look around, and notice all the gifts you’ve been given. I don’t mean merely material items, but from the tiniest to the grandest ways God personally shows you He loves you.
I feel His love when I drink a cup of coffee each morning. What an amazing gift He created for those of us who enjoy it! I see His love in the lilac trees outside my office window because He knows how much I love them. I experience His love through the sacrificial love of my husband, who could only show that kind of love because of the love of the Father.
When I take the time to recognize these acts of love and thank God for them and truly accept them from Him, all because He loves me, that’s how I receive His love.
Gratitude literally ushers you into love-awareness. Gratitude is one of the simplest ways we receive God’s love because it opens our eyes to see His kindness woven into our everyday lives.
Become Rooted in His Love for You
I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love.” -Ephesians 3:17-18
When we begin to see and experience God’s love for us, it takes root in our hearts and grows good things to share with others.
When we remain in the Father’s love by staying aware of how He loves us, we root ourselves in what is true rather than what is loud.
God’s love is defined by His truth, His voice, and His kindness. It’s not led by our feelings or disappointments, nor by our failures or deepest regrets. His love remains. This is a fact that does not change whether you feel it, believe it, or not. God’s love is always there for you.
It’s understanding that His love is rooted in His best for you and not in the validation of your lifestyle or chosen identity—whatever that may be. His love runs deeper and seeks your good, not necessarily your preferences.
Roots grow by remembering what He’s done for you. They also grow in rhythm and repetition through: daily Scripture reading, consistent prayer, moments of worship, and a life turned toward Him. It’s not always about intensity but about consistency.
Live Devoted in His Love for You
If you love me, you will keep my commands. -John 14:15
Once we have a better understanding of what it means to receive God’s love, we can learn how to respond.
One of the first ways is to remain close to God. It can be so easy to lose sight of Him in the hustle of everyday life. Try to get some minutes alone with Him everyday. The stillness helps His voice break through. Then, when we begin to train our hearts to see Him everywhere, it’s much easier to notice He’s near. Love Him back with your attention.
Trust Him with the hard stuff. Trust Him in the uncertainty and in what seems impossible. Surrender your plans. Give Him your fear. Believe His love for you, even while you cannot see His hand at work.
Love others through forgiveness, encouragement, serving, giving, and kindness. When you love God’s people in these ways, you’re loving God Himself.
Savor This
Sweet friend, you are loved by the Father in ways you have not imagined. He isn’t just the God who so loved the world. He is the God who so loves you.
Seek Him Deeper
Read: Ephesians 3:14–21
Study: Delight–a walk through the Psalms
This study draws out God’s love through His kindness, faithfulness, sacrifice, and presence that reveal His love over and over again.
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