For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Usually, at this time of year we consider what it means to love someone. What does it mean to hold someone so close in our hearts that we can truthfully claim to love them? In our world, these claims are everywhere, but these claims are fickle and frail. What often passes for love in this world is little more than a temporary selfish feeling.
This world’s idea of love is not God’s idea of love. God loved us so much that He gave us what was dearest to Himself. God sacrificed Himself for us when we were far from Him. God gave His Son for us in order to rescue us from our depravity and make it possible to bring us into relationship with Himself. No one has ever loved you more, given you more, or loved you while you were at a lower place in your life. God loved you before you ever loved Him. This is what real love looks like. God’s love is a love you can trust.
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times I resisted Your great love for me. Help me to accept, surrender, and receive Your love. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins. I believe that Jesus can forgive me, make me clean, and make me right with God. I choose to turn away from my sins and as You give me the faith, I want to have a growing relationship with God. Help me to pursue God and the things of God every day of my life from this moment on. Thank You for forgiving me and making me part of Your family. In Jesus’ saving name, Amen.
