2020 Daily Devotion - Day 252
Jeremiah 31:3"The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'"
A few weeks ago, I preached a couple of sermons on God’s love. In one sermon, I contrasted the love we receive and give to others and the love God gives to us. So much of the love we receive and give is what we call “conditional love”. It is based on conditions. It is why people say things like, “I love you because…..” As long as the conditions remain, the love remains. It is also the reason why people will say, “I am not in love anymore.” Regrettably, too often the love has changed because the conditions have changed. Unfortunately, this is how we understand love, and because this is our experience most of the time, it is difficult for us to comprehend the “unconditional love of God”.
In 1 John 4:8, it says, “God is Love.” He is the essence of unconditional love. This is who He is. He is the author of love; the only reason we are able to even love the way we do. If He were not the author of love, we would not be capable of loving anyone. Everything He does is loving. Every action He takes is always loving because it is His essence. And as we read in Jeremiah, His love is “everlasting”, which also means it never ever changes. His unconditional love for you never changes. And the fact – He took on human flesh in Jesus and died and was raised from the dead in order to rescue us from sin and death – is the proof.
So, as you face this new day, do so with the knowledge that God loves you unconditionally. As a result, you can have greater courage and strength. You can face life boldly because God loves you unconditionally.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we are so very grateful for your unconditional love. Even though it is so very difficult to understand and comprehend, it is nevertheless true, and therefore liberating. Give us new strength and courage this day because of Your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
A few weeks ago, I preached a couple of sermons on God’s love. In one sermon, I contrasted the love we receive and give to others and the love God gives to us. So much of the love we receive and give is what we call “conditional love”. It is based on conditions. It is why people say things like, “I love you because…..” As long as the conditions remain, the love remains. It is also the reason why people will say, “I am not in love anymore.” Regrettably, too often the love has changed because the conditions have changed. Unfortunately, this is how we understand love, and because this is our experience most of the time, it is difficult for us to comprehend the “unconditional love of God”.
In 1 John 4:8, it says, “God is Love.” He is the essence of unconditional love. This is who He is. He is the author of love; the only reason we are able to even love the way we do. If He were not the author of love, we would not be capable of loving anyone. Everything He does is loving. Every action He takes is always loving because it is His essence. And as we read in Jeremiah, His love is “everlasting”, which also means it never ever changes. His unconditional love for you never changes. And the fact – He took on human flesh in Jesus and died and was raised from the dead in order to rescue us from sin and death – is the proof.
So, as you face this new day, do so with the knowledge that God loves you unconditionally. As a result, you can have greater courage and strength. You can face life boldly because God loves you unconditionally.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we are so very grateful for your unconditional love. Even though it is so very difficult to understand and comprehend, it is nevertheless true, and therefore liberating. Give us new strength and courage this day because of Your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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