This theme came up in our home group, and I thought it was worth a brief discussion.
How much does God love me? So many people wonder whether God loves them at all. They have lots of reasons–their sin, their history, the fact that no one else seems to love them, the belief that they are “unlovable”. So how can God love me? And if he does, how far will that love go?
For others, the knowledge that God loves them brings a sense of entitlement. God loves me, THEREFORE he wants me to be happy. And if he wants me to be happy, and this (whatever “this” is) makes me happy, then God must be good with that. So I can do, or be whatever I want, and God is good with that.
So, is it true? Does God love me? And if he loves me, how much?
The answer is YES!!!!!
The whole point of Jesus’ life is God’s love. God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him would not perish, but have everlasting life.
God loves you so much he became like you, then gave his life for you. He loves you that much.
But?
Yes, there is a “but”. He loves you that much–so much that his love knows no bounds.
And if he loves you that much, if he wants the best for you, why would he leave you lost in your sin? Why would he stand by and say “as long as you’re happy” knowing your “happiness” is destroying you?
He wouldn’t.
Jesus loves you just the way you are–he died for you just as you are. BUT, he loves you too much to leave you that way.
Paul says those of us who are in Christ are new creations. That’s not just a cool saying, it’s for real.
Paul also said the Holy Spirit is busy working within us, producing the fruit of the Spirit–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And since this isn’t who we are (none of us is righteous, no, not one!) that means he apparently isn’t interested in leaving us the way we are.
So, does God want you to change. Of course! He wants you to grow!
Does that desire to see you be different mean he doesn’t love you the way you are?
Of course not! If that was the case, what we know as Christianity wouldn’t exist–because it is based on the sacrifice Jesus made for you and me WHILE WE WERE STILL IN OUR SIN.
God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you too much to leave you that way.
Roy says
Good stuff to think about in all of these recent posts, Randy. Makes me want to meet with you weekly to talk and pray. I've been considering Christ and culture a lot lately and wondering about the differences in how we all 'practice' our faith – from typical American conservative evangelicals to emerging church advocates, and even Brazilian or Thai brothers and sisters. In an earlier post you mentioned asking first what Christ would do in a situation, and though that might be similar to the occasionally trite WWJD approach I do think it's our best Question. Oddly enough, however, I think the even honest answers to the question by most of us conservative evangelicals might be tainted by our comfort with how we 'do it', so we don't give others approaches any credibility. (PS… don't comment much but I'm a regular 'lurker' here. ;=)