“This is how God showed His love among us; He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.  This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”  
I John 4:9-10

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The apostle John affirms that God’s love for us precedes our love for Him. He demonstrated His love for humanity in very tangible ways throughout the history of Israel, but He did so most fully and clearly in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This love may be defined as the steady intention of God’s will for our highest good, and it is expressed not only in words but also in actions. “This is how God showed His love among us; He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him” (v9).  

Over and over again, the Bible tells us that God loves us. In fact, it has been said that the Bible is God’s love letter to us. And yet, many days, I wake up wanting to have the proof of His love. I’ve said, “If God loves me, then why….” I am constantly needing reminders that His love for me is so deep and wide that He sent His only Son to die for me. Whatever it is that makes me doubt the love of God, I am revived by His love when I read His letter once again. What a gift. Why do I ever doubt? 

Therefore, I pray each day that God will help me to believe in His constant and unchanging love regardless of my circumstances. And I also pray that He will remind me that I cannot earn His love but that He gives it freely. Help me, Lord, to always remain centered in Your unfailing love and in it, that I can find rest and peace for my soul.

Next Steps 

• Read I John 4:9-10 again. What is God saying to you? Do you doubt His love? Why or why not?   
• If you doubt God’s love, what are promises you can stand on to bring you to believe again that God loves you far more than you can ever imagine?