Part 3 : SHOW

DAY 12 - We Are Loved.

What do you consider as the greatest thing for our lives apart from salvation? What is the most important thing ever!

We have been meditating on John 15 over the last few days and we said that these are Jesus’ last words and instructions to his disciples. He was not going to waste them on trivial things, not that He ever did. He said things that were very close to his heart and things that he felt they needed to know in order to survive and succeed after He left the earth.

We are reflecting on John 15:9 today. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”

We are going to look at LOVE today. Is it not great that Jesus starts off by reassuring us of His love? He loves us as much as the Father loves HIM. That is the most perfect intense love ever! HE said this to his disciples before they could even do anything for HIM. Jesus says the same to us. He loved us before we could even say “Jesus come into my heart”. 

The Bible tells us he chose us even before the foundations of the earth were laid. You always have been a part of his eternal plan. We can only respond to his love because He loved us first. Knowing must come before growing or the growth is a religious activity that is aimed at getting approval rather than from a place of approval.

God’s love for us is complete. We do not relate to Him from a place of fear or acceptance based on performance. We related to Him from a place of relationship and grace. That is how He invited the disciples to remain in Him. To stay close to him. Now remain: what a word of comfort and reassurance!

Have you known love like this? We often understand, receive, and give love in the way we have experienced it. Our own life experience becomes the framework and filter through which we perceive life.

Maybe you grew up in a loving family with both parents who showered love upon you and encouraged you in all your pursuits.

Sadly, this is not the case for many. Many have grown up with criticism, abuse, uncertainty, hate, violence to name a few horrid things people have had to endure as children.

Today, you can begin a new journey into understanding and receiving pure perfect love that comes from Jesus. The Father’s love for Jesus is perfect. Jesus says He loves us in the same way. He delights over you. He was excited at your birth because He knit you in your mother’s womb. He has been with you right through and will never leave you. Take a moment to allow that truth to sink in.

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF|

 What has been my understanding of love and how have I received and given love?

Do I know deep down in my heart that God loves me no matter how much I mess things up?