“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4: 19 (NIV)
When someone is in love, people say, “You are glowing!” Perhaps this is because feeling loved warms our souls and illuminates our whole being. However, this doesn’t only apply to romantic love. Knowing we are loved changes us. We perceive ourselves, act, react, and love differently. Love changes everything!
As a child, I desperately sought my father’s love and the acceptance of my peers. But no matter how hard I tried to be smart, capable, and worthy, all others saw was “different.” So, I felt rejected and unlovable. As I grew older, my need for love and acceptance grew beyond people-pleasing into unhealthy perfectionism and defensive anger.
But no matter how much I pushed people away, I had a few friends who loved me enough to plant seeds of God’s love into my heart. Slowly, these seeds grew over many years as God’s everlasting love drew me toward Him (Jeremiah 31:3). Eventually, I found the unconditional love and acceptance I longed for. Jesus loved me so much He died to save me, even though I didn’t deserve it (Romans 5:8). And feeling God’s love changed everything for me.
God’s love changes us because it’s different from anything we have ever experienced. Paul described God’s love best: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NIV).
Feeling God’s love changes how we perceive ourselves. Our self-esteem and sense of security skyrocket when we know God loves us and in His eyes, we are:
- Accepted – Romans 15:7
- Chosen – John 15:16
- Forgiven – 1 John 1:9
- A child of God – John 1:12
- Strong – Philippians 4:13
Additionally, feeling loved changes our actions and reactions to others, because knowing we are accepted and valued, we no longer have anything to prove to the world. Therefore, we no longer feel compelled to please people or be perfect. Similarly, we no longer need to defend ourselves, as others’ opinions of us no longer hold power. Instead, we start doing things to please and obey the Lord. And, it’s now much easier to follow one of His greatest commands, to love others as He loves us. (John 13:34-35)
As today’s verse states, God’s love enables us to love others. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19, NIV). He pours His love into our hearts through His Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). God’s love fills us up, overflows onto others, and enables us to bear His fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).
Friend, God is waiting with open arms for you to believe in Him and allow Him to love you. Once you receive God’s unfailing love, it will transform your broken, beaten-down heart into a pure, clean heart overflowing with love for Him, yourself, and others. The key to transformation is allowing yourself to be nested in His loving and capable arms. Once you do, you will be free to be all He created you to be.
Dear Father God, Help me to truly comprehend how wide, long, high, and deep your love is. Help me remember nothing can separate me from Your love. Finally, help me rest in your loving arms and allow it to transform my heart and life so it overflows onto those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
If You Want To Know How To Experience God’s Love:
If you would like to know how to experience God’s love, please contact me. It’s as simple as believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord and speaking or praying aloud. I would love to pray with you. You might also want to read my blog, How To Get God-Confidence.
