How often have you thought, "If others really knew me, they wouldn't love me?” It would be safe to say that many of us have been in that situation at one time or another during our lifetime. We may have even spent enormous amounts of energy trying to hide our "true self" from probing eyes because the risk of rejection seemed too great. The truth is that in those moments of shame and insecurity, we may have doubted that there is really such a thing as unconditional love, especially from a Holy God whom we have offended.
While it's true that in human relationships genuine love is hard to find, in the eyes of the God who created us we are both completely known and unconditionally loved. There is absolutely nothing about us that God doesn't know; therefore, nothing we think or do can surprise him or cause him to abandon us. He is constantly thinking about us-with love! (Jeremiah 31:3) And because of the unflinching, undying devotion he has for us, he is committed to searching our hearts and revealing to us any “offensive way" so that we can turn from our sins and walk a straight path toward our eternal home (Psalm 139:24).
May we never forget that God’s forgiveness is always available to us (Psalm 103:12). He gives it freely when we ask (Psalm 51:10). With the acceptance and assurance of God’s promises from the scriptures referenced below, we are free to understand and experience what unconditional love really is. It is a wonderful gift from a heavenly Father who loves us more than we will ever know. With the willingness to forgive and love others unconditionally, we are able to understand and accept that all humanity has self-worth in the eyes of God. It is beyond our comprehension most of the time, but through his Word we believe and receive this wonderful gift. God’s story is the greatest love story ever told. How wonderful to be a recipient of his unconditional love. I am very thankful that because he never changes, his love for me will also never change. Nor will it for you!
Scriptures for Reflection:
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:” "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 NIV
“See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:24 NIV
“As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 KJV
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 KJV
No comments:
Post a Comment