See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

- 1 John 3:1

When was the last time you experienced love? Was it a note or hug from a loved one? It could be support and encouragement from a spouse or close friend.

How have you experienced love in your life? Did you have a loving family who showed you support and encouragement? Or did you have a family that withheld their love and approval, basing love on performance or perfectionism?

Often, how we have experienced love is how we relate to Jesus.

But Jesus loves us with perfect love.

It cannot be earned. It is a gift. Jesus’ love doesn’t come with strings. It isn’t dependent on our behavior or feelings. He loves us despite our sinful hearts and nature. He doesn’t pull away from us when we go astray. Instead, Jesus comes after us.

He doesn’t stop loving us for any reason because His love is based on His character, not ours.

God is merciful and just, withholding judgment. He is not passive-aggressive. Our sins do not cause His love to be diminished toward us.

However, that doesn’t give us the freedom to sin whenever we want. Instead, we should want to follow closely after the Lord because He has sacrificed Himself for us. So, while He may feel angry at our sin, He forgives and forgets it. That is how He can relate to us entirely in love.

Prayer: Thank you for rescuing me and loving me, Jesus. Thank you for overcoming evil and offering me an eternity with you. Amen.

With Love,
Sherry Shepherd