Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In John 4:10 we read this amazing truth of God’s love for us: “This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” This passage reveals the depth of God’s love and contrasts it sharply with our everyday understanding of the term.

In English, we have one word for love, and we tend to use it quite liberally. We love our new shirt, the latest Mexican restaurant, a captivating movie, or a catchy song. We express love for our pets, family, friends, and even material possessions. Love becomes synonymous with our fleeting emotions — our responses to things that bring us joy and satisfaction at any given moment.

However, if we rely solely on our feelings to define love, we risk experiencing a tumultuous emotional ride. One day we may feel overjoyed by a relationship or a new acquisition, and the next day, that same relationship or item may no longer hold the same allure. When we base our understanding of love on our ever-changing feelings, we find ourselves in the complicated terrain of human relationships.

True love, as revealed to us through Jesus Christ, transcends these fluctuating emotions. It is grounded in a profound commitment and sacrificial action. God’s love was manifested in the physical form of His son, Jesus, who willingly laid down His life for us — for you and me. He did the unimaginable, dying for our sins so that we could receive grace that we undeniably do not deserve.

1 John 4:19 enlightens us further: “We love because he first loved us.” Understanding our identity as beloved children of God allows us to express genuine love toward others and nurture our relationship with Him. We begin to realize that love is not merely an emotion — it is a response to God’s unchanging nature because God is love.

Unlike our human experiences of love, which can oscillate and falter, God’s love is steadfast and unwavering. It does not hinge on our performance or how closely we adhere to His calling. His love is consistent, faithful, and dependable simply because that is His essence. It exists regardless of our actions or worthiness.

Today, let this powerful truth resonate within you: You are loved by the King of the Universe. That love is not contingent on who you are, what you’ve done, or how you feel. It’s a declaration of your identity — you can proudly say, “I am loved.” Embracing this love allows us to approach life and relationships with renewed vigor, empowering us to love those around us more authentically and wholeheartedly.

As you go about your day, remember this extraordinary truth: You are deeply loved. Let that love transform your heart, perspective, and ultimately, your actions.