Already Loved

Scripture:

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)

Reading:

Embracing God’s love can be surprisingly difficult. We know how to give love. We know how to do something for God. But receiving is different. After all, God is Spirit. God is Love. So, what exactly are we receiving? And how do we know we’re receiving it?

For one, God’s love isn’t something we achieve. You don’t earn more of God’s love because you prayed longer, served more, or finally got that spiritual discipline in the bag.

We have all sorts of ideas about getting ourselves positioned just right, ready to receive like a catcher. But we tend to start in the wrong place – with ourselves.

God’s love comes first.

He knows you completely; your thoughts and words, your coming and going, even your secrets (Psalm 139). There is no edited version of you that God loves more than the real one. Jesus proved it.

“…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Notice when He loved you – “while we were still sinners.” And God’s love didn’t end with an event 2000 years ago. When you heard the  gospel and believed in Christ, God gave you His Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of what is to come (Ephesians 1:13-14).

God doesn’t simply say, “I love you.” He gives you His Spirit, who makes the reality of God’s love known within you (Romans 8:16, John 16:14).

Paul said it this way: “God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

The wild thing is, we already have His love. So, how do we become more aware of it?

Think about a couple who have been married many decades. The newness has worn off, but their love has deepened because they have spent years discovering reasons to love the other. She regularly calls to mind the qualities she adores about him. He remembers the moments they’ve shared. Their love has matured from infatuation to intimacy.

Perhaps receiving God’s love is similar.

We let His Word tell us what He is like. We remember His faithfulness - the adventures He’s drawn us to and through. We behold Jesus and return to His cross.

Receiving God’s love isn’t manufacturing a feeling. It’s learning to believe what is true, to rest in it, to return again and again to the love He has already given.

Your Turn:

1. Where do you find yourself trying to earn God’s love?

2. What if receiving God’s love doesn’t mean you have to do anything extraordinary? Try quieting yourself long enough to believe what He has already said. Give your heart time to respond.

Pray:

Lord Jesus, What is this kind of love You have given to me, that I should be called a child of God! Thank You for choosing me, loving me, dying for me, and giving me Your Spirit, even while You fully know me. Please help me become more aware of God’s immeasurable love that has been poured into my heart. Praise You! Amen.