He Loves It!

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.                               Ephesians 3:1-6 (The Message)

I was speaking with a client recently who is facing jail time for an offense he deeply regrets. He related that he has trouble understanding why God loves him, especially since he feels so totally unlovable.

We talked further about his history of feeling inadequate and not being able to fit in with others. I talked with him about the fact that many people struggle with understanding why the holy, omnipotent God of the universe would love us. I explained that there is a difference in acceptance versus understanding. We can accept that God loves us, even when we don’t understand it.

I gave him an example of being a father, which he and I both are. I asked him if it gives him joy to know that his children know that he loves them. When we know that our children are secure in our love for them, we feel good. It gives fathers joy to know that their kids are secure in their father’s love. How much more joy does it give to God when we acknowledge his love for us?  

Prayer: Father, what a plan you have for your children, Amen