You Don’t Love Me
Rom 5:8
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)
His cherubic face upturned, his bottom lip quivering, my heart melted to mush right on the spot. My little boy was sad and it tugged at my heart strings. Knowing that I could not allow what he wanted, I pulled him in a tight embrace and whispered in his ear, “Mama, loves you, baby.” Affronted, he pulled away in a huff, “No you don’t! If you did you would let me…”
At first I was dumbfounded – so quick was the shift in his mood! Then I was irked. How dare he accuse me of not loving him?! And then I smothered a giggle. Ah, yes, my Father had a lesson for me in the middle of this 8-year-old drama.
I called him back to me, “Son, how could you ever say that I don’t love you? Don’t I tell you that every day? Don’t I feed you, bathe you, wash your clothes, bake you cookies, take you to play dates, buy you surprises…? What else would it take for you to know that I love you?!”
Once again, the rod of discipline fell. But not on him. On my own heart. How many times has God provided bountifully for my every need? How many times has He poured out His joy, hope and peace in my heart? How many times has He covered over my willful sin in His mercy?
And yet…how many times have I become aggravated with the Lord because He did not answer a prayer the way that I wanted? Or quickly enough?
He has provided all good things for my enjoyment. (I Tim. 6:17) He puts up with me! Surely His love is great!
And then I remember His greatest demonstration of love- “…while I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me.”
Ouch! Wow! While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me. In the middle of my rebellion. During my misbehavior. He died for me. (Oh, I know He died over two thousand years ago. But He died for me then, knowing all the misdeeds I would perform all these years later.) Because I was so lovable! So perfect! So obedient! Goodness, gracious, no! He did it because He is love! He can do naught but love. Despite me.
Yes! I must accept His sacrifice. No! I will not spend eternity with Him in heaven if I refuse to receive His forgiveness. But either way, He loves.. my eternal destination now is in my hand. His part is completed.
All my training in behavior modification teaches that you never reward bad behavior. It makes sense. But love does not stop during it. Love and permission are not the same thing. Love and acceptance of behavior, are not the same thing.
If God never again whispers love to my heart on a cool, unexpected summer’s breeze…If I never again behold the glory and splendor in the artistry of His sunset… If I never again have a dream vacation…One thing remains constant. His love.
Are you struggling with receiving God’s love? Do you feel that He loves you when you are good and hates you when you are bad? Do you only feel love when His answers are “yes?” If so, you- like me- are missing the point!
Dear God, enlarge our understanding of Your love. Thank you for Your sacrifice. Forgive me for the times that I act like a petulant child. I am thankful for you, Lord. Help me to demonstrate love to you as it has so richly been shown to me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
You heard God’s voice in the midst of your challenge. That is what I always want to do – it helps out a lot . . .when I manage it!
What a gal! You always bless me. So thankful for you.
You are always so encouraging and supportive and I love you MUCH!
such a blessing
Thank you for your encouragement!
Thank you for the reminder that His love does not depend on our actions. And that is a good thing.
A very good thing, Iris. Some days more than others!
Thank you for your continued encouragement.
Thanks, Katherine, for reading!