“The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other people for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you…”
Stop right there. This wonderful passage (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) answers three questions:
Can God love me at all? After what I’ve done, I’m so ashamed to go to Him.
The good news is that He loves you already.
Can I make God love me more? Shouldn’t I do good stuff to stay on His good side?
Well, if He loves us with a perfect love, by definition we can’t add to that perfect love.
Can I make God love me less? I’ve blown it again, I wonder if I still matter to God.
Look. If He already loves us at our worst, what can we do that will diminish that love?
Many people seek purpose, identity, security, and happiness. But if we are made in the image of God, it is impossible to detach our goals and longings apart from the Original. In this troubled world, we longed to be assured that there is Someone who cares and in the end, will make everything right.
The passage continues with “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations…” (v 9). If that is not an ironclad promise of stability, I don’t know what is.
There is an Exhibit A for that love. God did not wait for us to shape up before He sent us Jesus. There, at the foot of the Cross, you will find the love you seek.
Then obedience will have its proper place, because the passage ends with “[God] keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands”.
When you are touched by the amazing love of God, you cannot help but love Him back. Remember, He loves you already. You can’t make Him love you more and certainly you can’t make Him love you less. Be secure in that love and live out your truest self: beloved of the Father, redeemed by the Son, and empowered by the Spirit.
Have a great week ahead!
April 15, 2024
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