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. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

John 4:9-12

God loves you. 

Stop for a moment and really let that sink in. 

God loves you. 

God loves you so much that He sent His son, Jesus into the world to give you life. 

However, when it comes to biblical love, understanding this essential truth is just the beginning. The revelation that you are fully loved by God is the key to not only loving yourself but loving others. While love, as the scripture defines it, does not start with us—it starts with Him, and it most certainly ends with us. According to this scripture, God’s love is made complete in us, not when we receive it, but when we, being like God, give it away and love one another. Ultimately, as Christians, or “little Christs,” our aim is to be like Jesus and to reflect the Father to those around us. Loving others as He loves us is the best way to do that. 

Prayer:

God, sometimes it’s hard to believe that You could love me like you do with all that I have done. You don’t hold those things against me; You love me unconditionally! Help my understanding of how much You love me to continue to grow. I release the weight of sin and receive Your forgiveness and love right now. Help me show the same love to those around me. Amen.