In the first three weeks of school I’ve heard at least three teachers ask, “How do we get these students to love God more?” I also had one of my students ask me how he could increase his love for God. I gave them all the same answer.
John said, “We love Him because He first loved us.” (I Jn 4:19) This short verse lays out a remarkable spiritual law. The truth is that there is nothing we can do to make ourselves love God more, since our love is a function of His love. None of us choose to love Him so much as we respond to His love for us. And that means there is only one way for our love for Him to increase, by our experiencing more of His love.
What we can do is put ourselves in the place of encounter, seek Him, and set ourselves up to experience His love. We can read the word looking for His love and mercy, and personalize it for ourselves. We can go to Him in worship or prayer asking Him to show us His love. This isn’t selfishness, its open desire for intimacy.
We can also “come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy”, and accept His forgiveness. (Heb 4:16) You’ll find that he who is forgiven much loves much (Lk 7:47).
Trust me, this is the only way, and it’s why practicing these disciplines is so important. Experiencing God’s love changes us.
What a catchy title! They say Spring is the time for love in the air, but nothing separates us from God's love. It is there everyday, whether we feel it or not. Even if we have sinned or turned from Him, it is still there. If you feel far from God, don't wait to come to Him. His perfect love will bring you freedom and joy. Why wait! God loves you today. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteVery encouraging words. I have struggled to feel ok with asking God to show me His love. I am still struggling to receive His love. I have defined God's love for me based on whether I believe I am deserving of it. Through the cross Christ makes us worthy but even still when we were unworthy He still loved us. This is why God the Father sent His son.
ReplyDeleteRomans 5:8 (NAS)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Very good answer and counsel for the student who asked. Pretty much a bummer, however, for the teachers (with whom I can totally relate to). :-(
ReplyDelete