How do we know God loves us?

How do we know God loves us? Has there ever been a time in your life when you wondered if He really did? When you did not understand what was happening to you, or why?

I think we have all felt that sense of isolation at one time or another, perhaps now. But His love is not based on our understanding of it or our ability to feel it emotionally. His love is a constant in our lives.

Love is not just emotion—it is action. By His action, God demonstrated His love. John 3:16 says, "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." And 1 John 3:16, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us...."

We must never question the love of God. We should settle in our minds, that no matter what the circumstances, everything that happens must be measured against the reality of the cross. We were created for the love relationship with Him—to know Him [John 17:3] and to love Him with all our heart [Matthew 22:37].

We were created for the relationship, but we have to accept it. In Deuteronomy 30, the Lord offers the choice: "Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life." [Deuteronomy 30:19] It is our option. Can we choose any less?

Pray with me now — Lord, help us to choose to love You, to listen to Your voice and to hold fast to you every day of our lives, for we ask in Jesus’ name, amen.