A Reminder That You Are Loved

1 John 4:16 says, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” The defining feature of our Creator is love! When we spend time in his presence, we also take on his loving nature.

Romans 5:8 states, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The beauty of this statement is that it affirms that we are loved just as we are. God gave his son for us not because we were perfect but because he wanted to know us, sin nature and all. You are loved just as you are and can boldly come to the Lord anytime. Perfection is not required.

1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Because we are created by a loving God, he then empowers us to love others! It’s really amazing that despite our selfish and fickle nature, we are capable of giving ourselves in service and care of others around us. This capacity to do more than we feel like we are able is given to us from God. We love each other because he first loved us.

We are compelled to live meaningful lives of service and compassion – not because of God’s strict rules – but because of God’s great love. Knowing him inspires us to grow into the best versions of ourselves. We become an open vessel, pouring out the love that we have received onto our community. It’s important that we share the truth, that we are made by a loving Creator who has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.

1 John 4:18 states. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” We can let go of the fear and anxiety we may carry when it comes to opening ourselves up to the love of God and love of others because his love is steadfast and true. It’s a sure thing that we can all hold tight to as we navigate the joys and trials we all experience in this life. Be bold and be brave today because you are loved by our good creator God. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/c11yg

Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.