Understanding God’s love for you

“Perfect love casts out fear.” 1Jn 4:18 NKJV

Question: Since we’re naturally drawn to people who love us, why is it so difficult for us to go to God in prayer? Answer: Because we need a fresh revelation of His love for us! Paul prayed that the Ephesian church would “be able to take in…the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love” (Eph 3:18 MSG). The word “extravagant” means going above and beyond all that’s expected or deserved. The truth is, God couldn’t love you any more than He does right now. “What’s His love like?” you ask. Look at the cross. Had you been the only person who ever lived, Jesus would have died just for you. “What does His love cost?” you ask. Nothing! It comes with no strings attached. You didn’t do anything to deserve it, and when you mess up, you don’t forfeit it. “Absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love” (Ro 8:39 MSG). Once you accept that, you can acknowledge your weaknesses, seek God’s help, grow strong, and use the talents He has given you. When you believe God loves you based on who you are in Christ, you have the ultimate self-esteem—born of God’s esteem for you. And since His is the only “perfect love,” it removes your “fear.” So, what are you afraid of? That you won’t get what you need? That you will lose something you have? John tells us: “His perfect love for us eliminates all dread…If we are afraid, it…shows…we are not fully convinced that he really loves us” (1Jn 4:18 TLB). Ask God today for a fresh revelation of His love for you, bearing in mind that what He loves, He prizes, protects, and provides for.

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