Day 2: We Don’t Have to Earn God’s Love and Approval.  

“You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Mark  1:11 (NLT) 

A while back, I read this headline in the New York Post: “God Hates Us!” I was reminded of how so many people actually feel that way when something bad happens in their life. Such was the case with the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 1:27 when they said, “Because the Lord hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.” (NKJV) Of course, God did not hate them at all, but their distorted view of God shaped their beliefs and decisions, just as it does for everyone. That’s why we need to KNOW how much He loves us, no matter what we go through. This is the number one problem in the world: a distorted view of God. Many people think God is a God of wrath and judgment. And while He is just and righteous, He poured out His wrath on Jesus. Anyone who receives Jesus as Savior is delivered from the wrath of justice. 

But even His wrath is based on His love. Because He loves us, He is willing to pour out the judgment we deserve on His own Son. He loves you that much! As I have said many times, God’s not mad at you; He’s mad about you. He’s crazy about you! 

Jesus knew this, as we have seen in Mark 1:11, when we hear the first recorded words from God to Jesus. Before He ever DID anything for God, He heard these words: “You are My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” (NKJV) The assurance of being loved was what empowered Jesus to fulfill God’s purpose for His life—and it will empower you as well. 

Jesus crushes performance-oriented Christianity! In this one moment, He crushes it. He proves that God loves us freely; that we don’t have to do anything for Him to receive from Him. 

Do you see why works-based religion is contrary to the nature and character of God? Our lists of do's and don'ts and rules aren't necessary to earn God's love. It’s pointing an arrow at the heart of God, saying, “You don’t love me yet, but I’ll make You love me. Watch me perform; watch me sacrifice and pray and obey and keep my lists of do’s and don’ts—that ought to make You love me! I’ll prove my significance by making myself good enough for You to love.” 

If our do’s and don’ts would get God to love us or bless us, then it would be a form of manipulation. And God won’t be manipulated. He simply wants to be believed. He wants you to believe the love He has for you, and dare to trust Him.