Deep inside of each of us is a desire to be loved and accepted for who we are. We desperately seek this attention from our own parents, family members and significant others. We develop friendships with the hope of obtaining a connection with someone who would never abandon us, even after they know us at our absolute worst. This unrealistic expectation from others who are simply human is just setting us up for heart break, because people are not, nor will they ever be, perfect. At some point, relationships have to evolve to be more than just about ourselves. We have to give the exact same that we are hoping to receive. Often times, this lack of unconditional live will force us to turn to the one person that has never failed to give it. God. Jesus. He loves us. We know this because while we were still sinners, He died for us. Romans 5:8. Yet, we've grown to expect this love at all times because God always gives it. We believe we deserve it, no matter what we do. It's okay for me to fudge the truth a little; God still loves me. It's okay for me to leave my spouse for another because God loves me and wants me to be happy. God loves me just as I am. And yes, it's true that God loves everyone, but it's not about whether or not God loves us. The real question is, do we love God?
Do you reciprocate that love that was so freely bestowed upon you?
John 15:9-11 says "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
If you love God, then why do you continue to sin? When you refuse to keep his commands, do you remain in God's love? If you choose to walk away from doing the right thing then you have rejected God's love. Christ died for you, while you were still in sin. Don't remain in it. Don't return to it. It's not about you or your happiness. It's about your salvation and whether or not you'll be living with Christ for eternity. God knows that something better and something happier awaits you in eternity. He wants to be with your forever. You see, this life is not enough. Don't throw away eternal happiness for a fleeting moment of temptation here. Don't think you're entitled to God's love, even though you have it. Think about this: Do I love God?
