On my way to the farmer’s market one day I strike up a conversation with my children…

Me: You know what guys? I love you so, so much. I love Timmy, and Izzy and Jayden.
Tim: You love me because I listen and obey?
Me: (stopped in my tracks) No hun I always love you, not just when you obey. But it makes me happy when you obey and sad when you disobey.
Tim: Oh!

The truths of a loving relationship penetrates my heart. The simple truth that God wants everyone to know and hear. When Jesus died on the cross, it was before we had a relationship with Him. He was dying for those who spit on Him as He walked the road to the cross, for sinners like you and me.

While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

The manifestation of God’s love is beautiful. It reaches far beyond our imperfections. God, holy and pure, knowing the darkest corners of our being still looks at us with love and grace, as a father looks upon a child.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19

God’s love is never the question or crutch, although sometimes it feels that way. It’s us choosing to love Him.

When we truly humble our heart to this realization the barriers that we have built around our heart start to break down. As we desire the love God has to offer the weight of sin doesn’t seem as palatable because it is contrary to the very nature of the one we seek.

Yet, through our highs and lows it is nice to know that we still have a God that loves us. Just as Tim needed to hear he is always loved, it is nice to be reminded that God always loves us. It’s not based on perfection, but God’s undeserved grace and mercy.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

1 John 3:1