The Power of God's Great Love
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38,39 REV
When we think of love, we usually think of that warm, fuzzy feeling it gives us when we’re head over heels for that special someone. Or perhaps it’s a deep love and affection a parent feels for their beloved child, or a love between close friends.
But what about a particular love that Christ taught in the Bible—loving yourself? (Found in Matthew 22:34-40)
As Christians, we’re often not taught what it means to love ourselves. And we’re sometimes led to believe that we should hate ourselves above all else. We may even find ourselves living in a constant state of self-condemnation, and sometimes self-hatred, rather than the inner freedom and healing we are called to as God’s children.
Encouragement: Read Romans 7:14-25 and Romans chapter 8—iconic scriptures of the Faith and let God speak to you. 😊
When pondering these things, I heard these lyrics from a familiar hymn (“Christ Alone”), written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend—
“In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
…
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.”
What stunning Godly truths to meditate on this glorious day!
God’s love is the greatest love that triumphs over all. This unfathomable, undeniable, and most glorious truth echoes throughout the earth and into eternity: “He loves you.”
The powers of darkness cannot diminish it. Death cannot defeat it. No trial, hardship, or heartache of this present age can ever take His love away from you.
And it is His love that drives and compels us to live a life that pleases Him and reflects His holy character and love for the world.
The truth is that we can only truly love ourselves by first receiving His great love for us. We cannot love ourselves or others apart from God’s love, because His love is the source of all love.
Once we let God’s love in, everything changes.
As God pours His love into our hearts, all we have to do is receive it, let it change us, and pour His love into those around us (becoming His vessels of His love).
And receiving His love doesn’t only happen once when we ‘have all our ducks in a row’, or when we feel worthy enough to receive it. No… it’s simply about receiving it and living a life of constant receptiveness to His love every day.
In Psalm 63, King David writes: “…your love is better than life.” And it truly is!
So, receive and rest in His love, beloved friend, and let it change you from the inside out. Let your loving Father show you what it truly means to love yourself.
For nothing will ever be “able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
Dear Father God,
Thank You that nothing can ever separate me from Your great love, and that You love me as I am.
Fill me with Your love now, Heavenly Father. I receive Your unconditional, everlasting love. And help me to never stop receiving Your love.
Change me and mould me into Your vessel of love to those around me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
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