Redefining Love
In this day and age, the word "love" can be used in just about any context. We "love" our families or soul mates, and we also "love" a good movie or pizza! It's no 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 we realize it or not, most people have a picture of God in their minds based on what their relationship was like with their earthly father. If their earthly father was kind and supportive, they find it 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 very 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, but maybe you weren't raised in a family like mine and it's hard for you to believe that God is so loving and forgiving. If so, 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, tender 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 want you to know today that God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you! It doesn't matter how many times you've made a mistake; it doesn't matter how many times you've blown it; God is always ready to receive you with open, loving arms. Can you 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 His love and forgiveness.
If you've never accepted the love and forgiveness that Jesus has to offer, let me encourage you to do so right now! I'm not talking about becoming religious and trying to be good enough, I'm talking about having a personal, loving relationship with the Creator of the universe through His Son, Jesus. It's so simple. Just pray this prayer in your heart. Dear Jesus, I know I'm a sinner and I need a savior. I believe You are the Son of God, that You died, paying the price for my sins and rose again. I ask You to come into my life; make me fresh and new. I accept You as my Lord and Savior.
As you prayed that prayer, I believe today is a new beginning for you! Let go of the old and receive the love He has for you.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
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 we realize it or not, most people have a picture of God in their minds based on what their relationship was like with their earthly father. If their earthly father was kind and supportive, they find it 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 very 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, but maybe you weren't raised in a family like mine and it's hard for you to believe that God is so loving and forgiving. If so, 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, tender 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 want you to know today that God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you! It doesn't matter how many times you've made a mistake; it doesn't matter how many times you've blown it; God is always ready to receive you with open, loving arms. Can you 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 His love and forgiveness.
If you've never accepted the love and forgiveness that Jesus has to offer, let me encourage you to do so right now! I'm not talking about becoming religious and trying to be good enough, I'm talking about having a personal, loving relationship with the Creator of the universe through His Son, Jesus. It's so simple. Just pray this prayer in your heart. Dear Jesus, I know I'm a sinner and I need a savior. I believe You are the Son of God, that You died, paying the price for my sins and rose again. I ask You to come into my life; make me fresh and new. I accept You as my Lord and Savior.
As you prayed that prayer, I believe today is a new beginning for you! Let go of the old and receive the love He has for you.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).