Loved by God
"To all who are in Rome, loved by God..." ~ Rom 1:7
When you look at an acorn, what do you see? On the surface, and with your natural eyes, you'll see a small, brown, hard and slightly cone-shaped object that is the seed of an oak tree. An acorn is common. So common in fact that when you come upon one, you’re likely to kick it down the street and think nothing more of it. But, if you could poke a small hole in the side of its shell and see more deeply into the life within this nut, you would begin to see a whole forest of oak trees. Maybe 1000 in number. And if you could look beyond to the outer edges of this forest you would discover 10,000 more. All that is needed to grow an unlimited forest of mighty oaks is contained in that one, seemingly insignificant, acorn.
The statement—loved by God—is very much like this acorn. It is a colloquial expression. A common statement. So common in fact that when we come upon it in the Scriptures, we tend to disregard what it contains and think nothing more of it. It’s often just a passing thought that has no real effect in our daily lives. But if we could poke a hole in this truth and gaze deeply into its life within, we would find an unlimited forest of goodness, care, provision, and blessing. A whole world of unending grace.
To be loved by God is all-encompassing. Everything you need today, tomorrow, and forever is contained in this one common truth. I’m convinced that if a person could become fully persuaded of God’s perfect love there is nothing more they would ever want or fear.
When you look deep within this truth; when you sink down into it like a hot bath and allow it to wash over you with revealing light; when you contemplate the fullness of its meaning, you will discover its vast and limitless implications. God’s love is enough for you. This is the secret of true contentment. The substance of all faith in God. The source of soul rest and the perfection of all things.
Stepping into this truth you will find there is an abundant provision, careful protection, and unconditional acceptance. You’ll find reliable help, deep affection, unlimited forgiveness and personal belonging. You’ll find security, rest, patience, perseverance, reconciliation, and generosity along with every good and perfect gift. The phrase loved by God is the doorway into the storehouse of heaven. A forest, as it were, of unlimited grace and goodness.
As I reflect on this truth my thoughts go to my youngest granddaughter Seffie, who is three years old as I write this letter. When I look at her, I see a child without the cares or fears of life because she knows she is loved by her parents. Her security and rest are rooted in the knowledge and confidence of living in their love. She doesn't worry about what she will eat or drink, or about what she will wear, or if she will be protected and provided for. She is secure in her parent’s love
Jesus taught us to become like such a child. "Unless you become like a little child you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven?" Could he mean that unless we become dependent on our Father's love for us, and learn to rely on his love daily, we can't experience the fullness of life and freedom in His kingdom?
The apostle John was deeply influenced by God’s love. He described himself as "the disciple who Jesus loved” and his letters are filled with this theme. One of the most profound statements in all of Scripture is found in his first letter, chapter 4:16, which reads..."And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." In verse 18 he adds..."There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." This means that when you know the perfect—that is the unconditional, unlimited, and unfailing—love God has for you there could no longer be anything to want or fear. Like light does to darkness, faith in the complete love of God drives out all fear.
I must admit that I am not there yet. I can’t say that I fully know, and therefore rely on, the love God has for me. The fact that I still experience worry and the anxieties of this life is proof. But this is where the Spirit of God is leading me these days. Into a deeper revelation and experience of God’s complete love. This is the most profound and life-changing truth I have ever known. I want to sit and soak in it until I own it and until it owns me. Until the truth of God’s love drives away all my wants, cares, worries, and fears.
This was Paul’s desire and prayer for all believers. “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Eph 3:14-19) NLT
Selah’
Stephen Harbridge