You’ve probably heard the expression, “Jesus loves you!”
Well, it’s true! He does love you!
But until you experience His love for yourself and understand how substantial it is, you’ll never experience its transformative power.
It changes you from the inside out for the better!
Understanding and accepting His love will shape your awareness of His character and your true identity as His child.
Let’s explore the profound depth and significance of God’s love and how it will change you.
The Depth of God’s Love
There are many scriptures in the Bible declaring God’s immense love for humanity.
One of the most well-known verses is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse testifies to the depth of God’s love for us – so much that He willingly sacrificed His Son for our salvation.
Knowing that someone loves you that much should blow your mind!
Seriously, there is no greater love!
The Boundless Nature of God’s Love
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
I can imagine the joy Apostle John had when he wrote those words! After all, he knew Jesus personally!
Do you notice how he describes God’s unconditional love?
It is “great” and has been “lavished” on you!
And don’t ever think God’s love and affection is lukewarm. They are deep, passionate, extravagant, and limitless!
The Bible is full of powerful statements about the unlimited nature of God’s love.
The Psalmist declares, “The Lord’s love is eternal” (Psalm 103:17) and that “His love endures forever” (Psalm 136 – look it up. It’s in every verse!).
In Jeremiah 31:3, God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
When you think of God, look carefully and see Him lovingly drawing you toward him.
God’s Love Is For Everyone
God’s love is not reserved for the righteous or deserving. It extends to everyone, especially those who are broken, lost, and in need of redemption.
And aren’t we all, to some degree, broken, lost, or in need of redemption? This is good news!
Romans 5:8 affirms this truth: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
It’s not just you or me … we’re all still sinners. Therefore, we qualify!
Even though you rebel and sin, God’s love pursues you relentlessly. He offers forgiveness, restoration, and new life through Jesus Christ.
God’s Love is Not Performance Based
Ephesians 1:6 assures believers of their acceptance in Christ: “to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”
And the book of Romans declares, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Your acceptance by God is not based on your performance, merit, or worthiness. It’s based on His grace and mercy extended to us through Jesus Christ.
Once you accept and put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are entirely accepted, embraced, and loved by your Heavenly Father!
Do you get this? God’s love for you is not anything you’ve done or had happen to you. It’s what Christ did for you!
Isn’t that reassuring?!
Discipline Rooted in Love
However, this does not mean God approves of or is indifferent to your sins. Instead, it means God loves you too much to leave you in your sin.
He will discipline you, just as any good parent will discipline their children, so you know right from wrong.
Discipline means “to teach or train.”
“The Lord disciplines the one he loves.” – Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6
There is a good chance this discipline will come in the form of difficulties.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
And you’re supposed to accept and learn from this discipline so you will become more like Christ.
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1
That seems kind of harsh, but it’s true. You need to learn from your mistakes (sins).
Just know that God’s unconditional love compels Him to gently correct and transform you, not to condemn you.
Besides, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
Embracing Identity as Beloved Children
“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
As children of God, we are heirs of His kingdom, recipients of His love, and co-heirs with Christ. It says so in Romans 8:17.
Our identity as beloved children empowers us to live with confidence, security, and assurance of God’s unconditional love.
Is this how you’re living?
Living in the Reality of God’s Love
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Everyone needs to be loved like this!
God’s love is steadfast, enduring, and unchanging. His love will sustain you through every season of life.
God’s Love Will Change You
God’s unconditional love and acceptance are truths that will change you forever!
His love has the power to heal, restore, and empower you to live with joy, confidence, purpose, and a deep sense of security in your relationship with God.
As you embrace the depth and breadth of God’s love for you, you will be filled with gratitude, humility, and awe. Know that you are cherished and accepted by your Heavenly Father!
Live each day in the reality of His love, sharing it with others and reflecting His grace and compassion to a world in need.
Remember, no matter what you face, God’s love for you remains steadfast and unshakable.
Because God’s love for you flows from a well that will never run dry!