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Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots” @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com
Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2023/02/21/god-love-god/
God = Love = God
POSTED ON FEBRUARY 21, 2023 BY BETH ANDREWS
I am a follower of rules. I think it came from growing up as a military kid. There were rules living on base and everyone knew what was expected of them – even us kids. Even now I want to know my role and not have to wonder what I’m supposed to be doing. But even more, I want a way to know if I am measuring up. I want to be able to look at the list and say, I have done everything that is expected of me, therefore I am acceptable. I guess it goes back to my childhood. “Have you made your bed? Have you brushed your teeth? Have you done your homework? Have you finished your chores? Yes? Good job! No? Why are you so lazy? Why don’t you do what you’re supposed to do?” The unspoken words still ring loudly in my head: “You’re only good if you check off all the boxes.”
It’s taken me my whole life to realize that lists are great for work, but they are not the measure of my relationship with God. Nor are they yours. God doesn’t love you and me because we follow all the rules and check off all the boxes. He loves us because He loves us. Because that is His nature. John made it very clear in his first letter: “Love comes from God” (1 John 4:7), “God is love” (v. 8, 16), “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us . . .” (v. 10), “We know and rely on the love God has for us” (v. 16), “We love because He first loved us” (v. 19).
Love originates from God. We would have no love within us if not for God’s love lavished on us (3:1). John added, “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, [our]love is made complete . . .” (vs. 16-17). God’s love is perfect (4:18). It is steadfast (Psalm 118). It is eternal (Psalm 136). It is selfless (John 3:16).
And here’s what is so comforting: you can’t be good enough to make Him love you more and you can’t mess up enough to make Him love you less. He loves you because of who He is. Beloved (see what I called you), the next time you look at your life and wonder if you measure up remember this: you don’t – but God loves you anyway.
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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !! If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/
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