Pastor, God Loves You Too

Recently our church hosted a weekend workshop on overcoming fear and anxiety. One of the key verses throughout the workshop was 1 John 4:18 which reads, “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment.  So the one who fears is not complete in love” (ESV). After the workshop, I began to reflect on my own life and ministry, and I noticed a subtle danger lying beneath the surface of my heart.

Currently, I serve in a part-time role as the College Director at our church. I am still new to the role, and I have much to learn in ministry. However, as I reflect on that workshop, I believe that God used this verse to begin teaching me an important lesson. While I know in my head that God loves me, I often fail to grasp the reality of God’s love for me in my own heart.

Pastor, maybe if you’re honest, this describes you as well. Think about it: we have the privilege of studying the marvelous truths about God’s love as we prepare to preach each week. Every Sunday, we declare the love of God displayed in the work of Christ on our behalf. We sit in counseling sessions and minister the comfort of God’s love to those who are struggling or suffering. The truth is, we can minister to others with the love of God without ever allowing the God who is love to minister to us.

With that in mind, I want to remind you of 5 simple truths about God’s love for you.

1. God chose you in love before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-6)
   While there are times when we lack the experience of God’s love, the truth is, that God, in love, has predestined us for himself as sons. This wonderful truth leads us to praise him for his glorious grace. Before you were even born, the Lord willed for you to join his family.
2. God’s love for you is demonstrated at the cross of Christ (Romans 5:8)
   If it weren’t enough to consider God’s love for you before the world began, consider the fact that Christ died for you at your worst. The ultimate demonstration of God’s love for you is at the cross of Christ. Paul reminds us that Christ died for us while we were sinners, enemies of God, and children of wrath. Where else can you find this type of love?
3. God has poured his love into your heart by giving you His Spirit (Romans 5:5)
   Through the miracle of salvation, the Holy Spirit now takes up residence in your own heart. Notice the Trinitarian act of God’s love for you. The Father chooses in love, the Son offers himself in love, and the Spirit applies the love of God to your own heart.
4. God loves you with an eternal unfailing love (John 15:9-10)
   “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (John 15: 9-10). Jesus reminds us that he loves us with the same love he has received from the Father. The Father’s love is steadfast, faithful, and eternal. God’s love for us is not dependent on our performance or merit. Instead, God loves us simply because he loves us. The Christian life drastically changes when we recognize that our obedience does not earn God’s love for us. Instead, like Jesus, our obedience is a demonstration of love and trust in our heavenly Father.
5. God loves you so much He gives you access to Himself (Revelation 1:5b-6, Hebrews 4:16) Through the finished work of Christ on your behalf, God has freed you from your sins and brought you into His kingdom. Now through Christ, you can draw near to the Holy One with holy confidence knowing that He hears your requests and that He delights in showing mercy and grace. Truly at the cross, the veil was torn from top to bottom. Though we were separated from God because of our sin, His unfailing love is greater than the sin that once separated us.

Pastor, God loves you too. I pray that God will give you a greater sense of his love for you today. As you minister to others today, don’t forget the steadfast love of the Lord that is yours in Christ.