Do You Still Love Me?
Last week there was something in the air
It felt like I was having to discipline the kids more than usual. I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by it. It seemed like every ten minutes the kids were fighting or being disrespectful. All of my best efforts were proving useless. You know those days, when your spouse walks in the door and you want to tap out and head to Starbucks while he gives it a whirl? It was that kind of day for about five days straight. I was tired.
In the same day, both of my sons received a few talks from me. I was trying to convey to them how serious I was about a few things, and I was encouraging them to take some responsibility for their choices. I also reminded them of their need for God’s help when they find themselves in the middle of sinfulness. While talking to them at different times, they both asked me, “But you still love me, right?”
It struck my heart seeing the raw openness in their eyes as they looked at me. How could they even ask that question? Did they not know how deeply I loved them? Why else would I be putting so much effort into their lives? They mattered so much to me and I would do anything for them.
I assured them both that I indeed did still love them, and their behavior didn’t change that. I told them what they do, or don’t do, doesn’t determine my love for them. I love them simply because they are mine. A calm look crossed their faces as I told them I loved them without a doubt, no matter what. I assumed they knew this, but in the face of friction and strife, they began to doubt it. It hurt me to hear them say those words, and I couldn’t help but wonder if God was showing me something through this.
I have often asked God if He still loves me
I have looked up with pleading eyes, and asked, “You do still love me?” I think that is something we have all asked, isn’t it? We feel we have gone too far, or have messed up too much. We walk around, feeling unworthy, unloved and unforgiven. I wonder if it pains God to see us putting ourselves in the corner or beating ourselves up over our mistakes, especially since He rescued us already.
When we know we are loved, regardless of our actions, it changes everything.
It gives us freedom to fail, and freedom to get back up and keep at it. He won’t let us go.When we experience the relentless, unending love of Christ, we are never the same. No other love will suffice. His love for us doesn’t diminish in light of our failures any more than our good works increases it. Be encouraged friends, nothing can separate us from His love. I am at peace when I rest in His love for me and know He has my best in mind. Just like a Father should.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Romans 8: 38-39
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