What does it mean to you to be loved by God? What feelings does God's love bring up within you? Have you ever doubted God's love for you? I know I have. Today's sermon was about how God's love changes everything. And it does. I've felt it deep in my bones and deep in my heart. It's a transforming love that brings healing throughout your mind, body, and soul. But just because you've believed it or experienced it in the past doesn't automatically mean you continue feeling it. Maybe it's an identity issue. Maybe you don't fully see or trust who you are in Christ. Whatever it is, when it happens, it sucks. I've struggled for many years of my life believing that I am worthy of God's love. That I am worthy of others' love. Maybe that's why I grew up a people-pleaser. Maybe I felt like I had to earn approval, to earn their love. Any way you look at it, you can't earn God's love. It's already yours. It is a free gift given to you through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. You are loved by God. Deeply loved. Like through and through loved. Nothing you ever do can take away that love. It's there whether you're open to feeling it or not.
A while back, I got this tattoo. It says love. I experienced the love of God like never before when I went on my Walk to Emmaus retreat. I came to experience God's love and the love of others to the full. The Emmaus retreat paired with God pursuing my heart after I had reached a low broke me wide open and I was emptied before the Lord. David Crowder's song "How He Loves" was played on the radio, in worship, and many other random places I'd find myself. It seemed I couldn't get away from the message of God's love. I came to know beyond a doubt that I was loved. I wanted a constant reminder of that love so whenever I caught myself doubting it, I could remember. That's why I got the tattoo. I've always known in my mind that I am loved. My heart, on the other hand, doesn't always believe it. During today's sermon, I realized that I hadn't been experiencing God's love to the full. I was having a hard time accepting love from others and loving myself. Maybe it's because so much in my life is up in the air right now. Maybe it's because I feel like I've failed in some ways. All I know is that today, I found myself questioning that love again. In realizing that, I've had to take time to remind myself of my identity in Christ. I am not defined by my feelings. I am not defined by my successes or failures. Colossians 3:12 says, "I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved." In Christ I am significant, accepted, and secure. 2 Timothy says I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline and 2 Peter says that I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I am a partaker of God's divine nature. It is imperative to our growth and maturity that we believe God's truth about who we are. If you find yourself doubting God's love, I highly suggest spending time in His word seeking His truths about who you are in Christ. Or just google it. There are some super quick resources that will come up. Spend some time going over those truths and start claiming them for yourself. Don't live your life believing the lies that you are alone and unloved. You are loved. I am loved. We are ALL loved by God!
Remember, the more deeply we love, and the more fully we love, the more we reflect the glory of God to others. Love is imperative. It is the most powerful force in the world. Let us all love and be loved in return.
Don't let the world define who you are.
In God's eyes we are all worthy of love.
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