We've all heard the song typically sung by children in Sunday school: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so... We don't think much about the words sometimes, especially when children are singing it. We're more focused on how cute they look and sound as they sing this song.
How wonderful would it be if we paused to reconsider what the lyrics truly mean?
Let these words echo inside your heart: Jesus loves me, this I know.
How often we forget the simplicity of the love of Jesus. Yet there He is. Standing with arms wide open. He accepts us as we are without hesitation. Jesus freely loves and He freely gave His life so that we can live eternally.
What lies have you believed about God that have hindered you from coming to Him and accepting His love? I'm going to name a few and I want you to prayerfully consider which of the following lies you have believed, perhaps unknowingly, over the years:
1. God is looking down, ready to judge me if I mess up.
2. I can't come to Him the way I am (I'm too far gone, too broken, etc.)
3. God couldn't love someone like me. I am unworthy.
4. God is not involved or does not want to be involved in my life.
These are all lies! Here is some truth to counteract these lies.
Truth #1: Just like your parents, God is not seeking you out every time you mess up. He isn't looking and hoping you will make a mistake so that He can judge and condemn you for it. There is no condemnation for the children of God (Romans 8:1). His perfect love casts out any and all fear we have that God could be against us (1 John 4:18, Romans 8:31).
Truth #2: God doesn't care how far you've gone from Him. He will reach as far as He needs to get to you! You are never too far gone that God's love cannot find you. There is NOTHING that can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).
Truth #3: Yes, you are unworthy of God's love, but Jesus Christ made intercession for us on the cross so that we could receive the greatest love in the history of mankind (Romans 8:34). While you were still a sinner, Christ died for you (Romans 5:8). He knew who you would be and He knew that you would get lost along the way, yet He still freely gave His life for you. Not only that, but He gives us His righteousness (Romans 4:24-25).
Truth #4: God desires to be part of your life. He wants to be involved. You were created to worship and serve Him on earth. He wants to hear your praise, but that doesn't mean He won't listen to your pain. Bring your brokenness, knowing that Jesus can take it (1 Peter 5:7). You don't have to hide parts of yourself because you are already fully known by God (Psalm 139:14). Jesus wants to have a relationship with you and He will be as involved in your life as you allow Him to be. He dwells inside of you (1 John 3:20). He promised that He would never leave you alone or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
God is not a distant, judging, uncaring being. He loved you so much that He gave His only son, Jesus, to die on a cross for you (John 3:16). His Son who was beaten and tortured. His Son who was perfect (without sin) and never deserved the kind of death He accepted out of love for us. Jesus loves you and you need to remember this simple fact.
It's easy enough to become burdened down by life, to become so wrapped up in our insecurities and our past that we forget how much Jesus cares about us. When we feel unloved, unworthy, and too far gone, there's Jesus. He's always been right there; we just fail to remember who He really is. We have forgotten the most basic fact of our Christian faith. Jesus loves us. Could it be that simple? Thank God, it is! All you have to do is recognize the love Jesus has for you, turn from your past ways, and freely accept the love of Jesus into your life. Then you love Him and serve Him in return. Jesus painted the most beautiful love story of all time and it's just for you.
Let the love of Jesus refresh your soul, renew your mind, and change your life. If you don't know Him, I pray you will commit your heart and life to Him today. It's the best decision and it's simpler than you're making it. Jesus loves you and I want you to know.