How many times have we heard that God loves us? For some, it is a comforting thought, as we know that no matter what we do, God will continue to love us unconditionally. For others, however, it can be difficult to begin to understand the love that He has for us and what it looks like in our own lives. Whether we struggle to believe it because we have a negative relationship with our own father, or sincerely disbelieve that someone can love and care for us unconditionally; it’s clear for many people that learning the depth of God’s love is very different from knowing it.
As someone who was raised in the church and who learned about God from a young age, I was expected to know about the love of God. I learned how much He cares for His children through reading the stories of the Bible. From Jesus healing the blind to speaking to the disciples, to dying on the cross, His great love can be seen throughout the New Testament. I would wonder, however, how it was applicable to my life? I would argue with myself that Jesus may have shown love to the people in the Bible, but what love did He have for me, especially since we have never met in person? What would a hug from God feel like? What would we talk about if we were to go for a walk together? These were some of the questions that I asked myself in trying to understand His love.
It was not until several years later that I began to realize just how much we are cared for by our Heavenly Father. After years of questioning His love and what that looks like in my own life, I finally began to know it.
It came when I was sitting in a small group. We were talking about God and His love and what that looks like. Surprisingly, I found out that many people felt the way I did. Our small group leader then introduced us to the Father’s Love Letter. Written by Barry Adams, this book is an incredible devotional that talks about the ways that God loves us.
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31)
For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28)
For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16)
As I sat there, listening to this love letter read out loud, I soon became the only one in the room. I met with God that day and found Him saying these words to me. For the first time as a Christian, I began to know the love that He has for us and how deep and wide it is! I hope that by reading this letter, you can truly know the greatness of the love of God. It can transform your life.