We all come from different walks of life and yet, we all have experienced heartache. Perhaps you were rejected by a family member, a loved one, or a past boyfriend/girlfriend. The rejection(s) caused us to devalue ourselves and falsely believe we are not good enough. We, therefore, believe the lie that we need to “do more” or “be more” to earn love and acceptance from others.
You do not have to earn people's love. When people put unfair demands on us to "earn" their love and affection, this is not love. It's manipulation. It's abusive and controlling. It is also a sign that the relationship is not healthy.
While we cannot control who loves and rejects us, there is only one whose love is constant and enduring. His name is Jesus. God loves you so much. You DO NOT have to earn God's love. There are no prerequisites with Jesus. God's love is freely given and unconditional.
1 John 4:9-10 says, "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." The love God has for you is pure, sacrificial, beautiful, and healing. When we replay our sins repeatedly in our head or when the rejection stings just a bit more than it did before, please know that You are His beloved. Keep turning towards this truth when those lies creep into your mind or when the feelings become too much to bear. You are His beloved and NOTHING can ever change that!
Dear God, may we feel and experience your tangible love today. May we hear you whisper, “My beloved”. We pray that you reassure us and remind us of your love, especially when it gets hard. Give us the strength to turn our mind to your truths. Amen.
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