Brothers and sisters, you cannot imagine how much God loves you. He created you, forming you in your mother’s womb. He watched you grow up, protecting you even when you didn’t know it. He drew you to himself, showing you that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead as the guarantee of eternal life. He saved you and forgave you of your sin when you surrendered your life to Jesus. And now, day by day he guides you and fills you with his Spirit. And for all of eternity you will experience his love and joy and glory.
“Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children. And we are!” (1 John 3:1)
That kind of love inspires you to live a holy life, a life of purity and integrity, a life of serving others, showing compassion and sharing the good news of Jesus.
God is the perfect Heavenly Father. Earthly parents, no matter their best efforts, will unfortunately let you down from time to time. But not so with God. His love never fails. He is always there, always loving, always showing you the way.
When you know God’s love, you won’t habitually pursue sin (1 John 3:1-10). Rather, you will have a desire for your thoughts, words and actions to be pleasing to him. When you stumble, confess to him and receive his cleansing (1 John 1:9), then get back up and move forward in faith. What great love!
I don’t know about you, but I am eternally grateful to God for his great love!
I shudder to think where I would be if this great Love hadn’t pursued me. If I go before you do, you can preach this post at my funeral.
You got it!