"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 2:4-7
I don't doubt God's love for me. When I consider how unworthy I am of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, the horrific suffering He endured to save me from the consequences of my sin, I know He loves me, and I rejoice in His love.
Without Jesus I would be lost and hopeless. I know this because that's how my life was before I surrendered to Him.
God pursues us because He loves us, and He loves us not because we are lovable.
Pastor David Guzik writes:
"Some warp the idea of God’s great mercy and love into something that justifies our pride. Some imagine that God loves us because we are so lovable. Instead, God’s love is so great that it extends even to the unlovely – to the children of wrath mentioned in the previous verse (editor's note: Ref: Ephesians 2:3).
"Every reason for God’s mercy and love is found in Him. We give Him no reason to love us, yet in the greatness of His love, He loves us with that great love anyway.
"Therefore, we must stop trying to make ourselves lovable to God, and simply receive His great love while recognizing that we are unworthy of it. This is the grace secret of the Christian life."
This past week I discovered the music of Marty Goetz and his daughter Misha. What a blessing I have received from listening to the music of these Jewish believers! I chose today's music video The Love of God by Marty because he so beautifully expresses God's love for us. This was recorded live during their concert in Israel.
If you'd like to see Marty give his testimony, you can watch it here:
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
I certainly do need to be reminded why God loves me.
ReplyDeleteHis love is everlasting! xo
DeleteLove his voice. How amazing is this song. Thanks for this today Nancy. Just beautiful. xoxo Happy Monday. Have a good week. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like the song, Kris. When I first heard it I cried. I'm sure I'll listen to it over and over again. I love Marty's voice, too. He sings with passion and love. I enjoy watching his face as he sings, because you can just see in his expression how true the words are for him. God bless you, my friend. Hugs.
DeleteOh, Nancy! I don't know why I struggle so much in this area. It is so easy for me to tell others how much God loves them, but when it comes to accepting that fact for myself, I have the hardest time. I think it has to do with the legalism I was so enslaved to for so many years & how hard I tried to please people, etc. It is quite a battle, but I will never be able to thank Him for the great sacrifice He made for me. I have never loved Him more. Thank you for your faithfulness to these precious Monday morning encouragement posts. I so look forward to them. I love and appreciate you and your support of our music. You are a great encouragement to me, dear friend. :)
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I understand all too well how legalism can rob us of grasping God's unconditional love. I've been there. I'm glad you find encouragement here. Keep sharing your thoughts. They are always an encouragement to me! Hugs.
DeleteThank you, Nancy for your wonderful encouragement. God's love for us is beyond my comprehension but I can ask Him to teach me more and more about this great love. I ask Him, too, that He will increase my love for Him. Hope you have a beautiful week.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful, Ellen, that God meets every single need we have and that we can ask even that He increase our love for Him, and He will do it! I believe that's a request He dearly loves to hear and fulfill! xo
DeleteThose verses that start with "But God" - sooo good! A wonderful encouraging post today!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are encouraged, Mari. God bless you. xo
DeleteIsn't God's love amazing? Sometimes I feel so unloveable and I'm humbled by the fact that He still loves me just as I am.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
I agree, Betsy. Lately I've been overwhelmed by the truth that He loves me always, even when I'm anything but lovable! Hugs.
DeleteWhat a beautiful testiment today Laura! I love that song... what a voice he has.. and sings with such tenderness and conviction from his soul! Wow. It's a good reminder that He loves us no matter what! Hugs.. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful that God gave us music, Marilyn, and that His children who have the gift (like Marty) of making beautiful music that glorifies God use their gift to encourage and uplift others. This song The Love of God has ministered to me in an amazing way. I can't stop playing it. And I do think one reason is that, as you put it so well, Marty sings it with tenderness and conviction. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Warm hugs.
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