I Love You Too - by Natalie Fortunato
March 2, 2011
1 John 4:19 (Amplified Bible) - "We love Him, because He first loved us"
There are so many ways we exchange love between ourselves. We give flowers, gifts and cards. We do special things that we know someone will like. We give a reassuring glance that says, "I believe in you". We do unexpected things for someone who is hurting, just to show we care. We surprise one another with something over the top, just to see their face light up. All this to say "I love you".
On a much grander scale, God has been expressing His love for us since the beginning of time. He created earth in all its splendor for us to live in. He handmade each of us, so wonderfully different and precious in His eyes. He sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sin. He defeated the enemy of our soul, Satan. He sent the Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen and guide us all the days of our lives. He gave us a specific assignment and purpose that only we can fulfill on this earth. He made a covenant with us to always protect and provide for us. He gave us life more abundant, and a long life to be enjoyed. We even get to spend eternity with Him!
One day, as I was thinking about all that He's done for me, and how He shows me every day how much He loves me in a zillion ways, I heard him simply say to me, "I love you". For the first time, I quietly whispered in response, "I love You too".
It was such a beautiful moment. Just saying "I love You" now somehow sounded like it was my idea to love Him, like I was the initiator, like I knew a thing a two about love. But 1 John 4:19 says that He first loved me. My part is to receive His love. When I receive His love, I can't help but love Him back, it just happens.
When I picture receiving God's love, I see myself at the ocean being overtaken by an enormous wave, and swept off my feet, totally and joyfully yielded to something so much greater and stronger than I've ever known, as described in Ephesians 3:18-20. Ever feel that way about God's love? It's so powerful! It will take us a lifetime to soak it all in. But in the meantime, the next time you sense God's love for you, don't just say "I love You"...give it a try...receive His love then simply respond with "I love You too".
 Filed under:
Encouragement,
Faith,
Thankfulness,
Victory,
Attributes of God,
Mercy,
Knowing Who You Are In Christ,
Hearing God's Voice,
Freedom From Fear,
Freedom From Addictions and Bondage,
Walking in the Spirit,
Overcoming Stress
0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT
|
