To begin on our 31 journey to freedom, we have to begin at the beginning; build the foundation first, and all that. The simple truth is that we absolutely can not, will not, find true, lasting freedom until we grab hold of the fact that God loves us.
I know it’s super basic, and many of us have grown up hearing that “God is love” and singing “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know,” but having a basic head knowledge of God’s love is very much different than having the truth of it buried deep in your heart.
Many of us can believe, understand, and accept God’s unconditional–His unchanging, based on nothing we can ever do or not do–love for other people, but not for ourselves.
One of the enemy’s favorite and most effective weapons to use against God’s children is lying about God’s character, to make us doubt whether we are truly loved, because a Christian who is insecure and unsure of God’s love is very ineffectual indeed.
Also, I feel this needs to be said: there is absolutely nothing selfish or self-serving about accepting and rejoicing in the Father’s love for you. He created us to receive His love and pour it out to others–but we have to let Him pour it into us, first.
So, here’s my little assignment for you. Read the scriptures below. Say them out loud, speak them over yourself. Write them out and put them on your bathroom mirror, in your cubicle, on your fridge. And pray. Ask The Lord to reveal His heart, His love, and His character to you.
He is anxiously waiting to meet with you, to pour His love over you; all you have to do is receive it freely and with open arms.
The Lord your God is with you…The Lord will take delight in you, and in His love He will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you. Zephaniah 3:17
He has brought me to His banquet hall, and His banner over me is LOVE. Song of Solomon 2:4
Cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3
