In this day and age, the word "love" can be used in just about any context. We love our family or soul mate, and we also love a good movie or pizza! It's not wonder people get so confused about the subject of love. One thing is certain: Every person on this Earth was created with a deep longing to give and receive love. We develop our personal definition of love by how we were raised and what we saw modeled in our homes growing up. Whether others realize it or not, most people have a picture of God in their minds based on what their relationship was like with their natural father. If their earthly father was kind and supportive, it's easy to see God the same way. On the other hand, if their earthly father was unavailable or distant, they may find it difficult to see the unconditional love that God so freely gives.
I grew up in a home where the phrase "I love you" was as natural as the word "hello". To this day, if you are around my family for long, you will hear those three little words, because we look for opportunities to express our love to one another. I realize that it's easy for me to accept God's love because of the way I was raised. I had a great childhood, with a loving brother and a fantastic mom and dad who believed in me, encouraged me, and loved me, even if I did something wrong. My parents never judged me by my performance. My mother instilled within me a sense of independence and confidence that I could anything I put my mind to. My father loved and protected me, and would pick me up when I fell. My parents were always good to me and showed their unconditional love and approval. But I still had to learn to embrace that love.
I can remember when I was sixteen years old, my dad would allow me to drive the family car to the grocery store. "Go straight to the sore, get the groceries, and then come straight back home," he would say. "Don't pick up any of your friends, just go, and come back."
One day as I was headed for the store, my dad cautioned me, "Victoria, the passenger-side window is off it's track. Please don't open the passenger-side door, and especially don't lower the passenger-side window. I have an appointment to get it repaired, but for right now, just don't lower it."
"Okay, Dad," I said with a kiss and a smile as I headed out the door. And as any good sixteen-year-old would do, I went straight to my best friend's house down the street and picked her up, and we headed to the grocery store together. Being the responsible young lady that I was, I told her to be careful about the window. Well, w drove barely one block when we saw a friend of ours walking down the street. Of course, we weren't trying to impress him or anything to show off the fact that I was driving; we just wanted to innocently say hi.
"Just go ahead and roll down the window and say hello to him," I told my friend.
"But I thought your dad said not to lower the window," she hedged.
Caught up in the moment, I said, "Oh, it will be okay. Just do it slowly."
My friend rolled down the window and we called out to our friend, waving and acting so grown up. He seemed so impressed that I was driving, and my friend and I acted as cool as could be. Everything was great until my friend started to raise the window. Suddenly it seemed like the world stopped as I watched the window crack and shatter into a million pieces! I would have given anything to turn back the clock at that moment.
"On, no!" I cried. "You have to come home with me and help me explain to my dad what happened," I told my friend. Suddenly the groceries didn't seems so important anymore. We drove straight back home in complete silence. The walk up our driveway wasn't nearly long enough as I tried to figure out how to explain to my dad what just happened. I walked inside, along with my friend-the one who wasn't supposed to be with me. My dad was in the kitchen making some hamburgers when he turned and saw us. You can imagine the puzzled look on his face. "Dad, I'm so sorry…," I started to say, barely knowing how to explain what happened.
Because I know my father loved me I had the confidence to tell him the whole story. And the marvelous part is that the moment I admitted to my dad that I had disobeyed, he forgave me. Of course he was disappointed, but he never ceased to love me. He didn't hold it over my head or measure my worth by that mistake. He chose to believe the best about me. In fact, his love for me was just as strong after that incident as before. He never disconnected his heart from mine and I did not retreat from his love. Our relationships continued to flourish as it does to this day. My dad is as proud of me as any father could be.
Maybe you weren't raised in a family like mine and it's hard for you to believe that God is so forgiving. Maybe it's time for you to redefine what you know as love. God's love goes way beyond any human love you've ever experienced. He is always patient and kind, always just and forgiving. He weeps when you weep and laughs when you laugh. You are His delight and He longs to have a loving relationship with you. You bring joy to His heart and I know He is smiling on you right now as you read these words.
I encounter so many people who have a misconception that God is always mad at them. When things don't go well, the first thing they say is "Well God, You did it to me again!" It's as if they think God is just waiting for them to do something wrong so He can punish them and make their lives difficult. Let me assure you right now, that is the furthest thing from the truth! God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you!
It doesn't matter how many times you've mad a mistake; it doesn't matter how many times you've blown it; God is always ready to receive you with open, loving arms. In fact, He's already forgiven you for anything you've done in the past and anything you will do in the future. All you must do is accept it.
Imagine God in front of you right now with His arms outstretched, ready to welcome you. Don't run away from Him; run toward Him. Simply take a step of faith to embrace and receive His love today. God loves you with an everlasting love!
VICTORIA OSTEEN
A life-long Houstonian, Victoria began her career in her family's business. Now as a supportive wife, mother of two children and a co-pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, TX, Victoria is an inspiration and mentor to women everywhere. She is committed to helping women, children and families discover their purpose and reach their highest potential in Christ.