1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? I tend to focus on the negatives—the lines and wrinkles, the blemishes and gray hairs. There is good there, surely, but it doesn’t jump out at me. When God looks at me, however, it’s an entirely different story. He loves me deeply and fiercely. He sees my promise and potential. But more than that, He sees me exactly as I am, His child, and it’s utterly enough for Him. He created me, and, therefore, He loves me immeasurably. That kind if love is so far beyond the norm of this world that it is truly hard to wrap the mind around.
1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love….
The first part of 1 John 4:16 says that we both KNOW and RELY ON the love God has for us. I know that’s an area I personally need to work on, and I know I’m not alone. I tend to discount myself, see myself as less than, but that means I’m discounting His amazing love for me. Instead of relying on His love, to discount it means that I somehow see myself as an exception to His love. Even as I type it, I know that it’s a lie. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He loves me deeply. Jesus, Help me to know, trust, and rely on Your love. Always.
1 John 4:16 …Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, this message. Thank You that I am not an exception to Your love. None of us are. Help me to fully accept Your great love for me. I am Your beloved, not because of who I am, but because of who You are. Help me to feel Your love in my bones, regardless of my circumstances, and to rely on Your love. Always. Help me to shine Your light for all to see. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.