Day 29

Who do you regularly say “I love you” to? Maybe your spouse? Your kids? Your parents? A close friend? Your dog? With the exception of the dog, hopefully, they all say “I love you” back (although dogs have their own ways of showing love, of course).

Expressing love is a beautiful thing. As humans, we were created to love and to be loved. It’s part of our nature. We need to feel cherished, appreciated, cared for, and accepted. This need for love comes from God Himself, who is Love. That is why the simple prayer “Jesus, I love You” is so important. It touches on a deep human need, one that connects us with God.

Nothing can match the depth of God’s Love, and His Love fulfills our innate need to be cherished. It is intrinsic to God’s Nature to love us, and our heartfelt response is simple: to love Him back.

Love cannot be forced or faked, but it can certainly grow. If you think about how your friendships develop or how a romance blossoms, you’ll see how the growth of love is a reflection of time spent together, of shared conversations and experiences, of moments of vulnerability and openness.

That is what happens during these fifteen minutes alone with the Lord each morning. You are developing a relationship. You are learning to receive God’s Love and to express your love for Him. You are growing more comfortable with Him and learning to be vulnerable and trusting in His Presence.

Remember, God’s Love for you is the most important part of this relationship. If you feel shaky in your faith, or if you’ve made mistakes and have a sense of shame or guilt, or if life is difficult and you are struggling with fear or pain, you can rely on God’s Unchanging Love. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:4–5, “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” He loved you long before you sought Him, and He won’t reject you now.

This morning, begin to express your love to God. “Jesus, I love You.” As you say the words, let your heart find security in Him. Lean into the relationship, seeking to sense His Presence and hear His Voice. He is near to you, and His Love is drawing you closer.

Questions for Reflection

1. How does understanding that God loved you first, even before you knew Him, affect your view of His Love?
2. Why do you think it is important to express your love toward God?
3. How would you describe God’s Love toward you? How has that understanding changed over time?