I have realized that before I can love me and love my neighbor as myself, I first must learn to receive God's love for myself. I have had moments where I doubted God's love for me. I have found myself asking, "Does God really love me?" Jeremiah 31:3 speaks to me, "I (God) have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness." Through experience I know too well that the devil capitalizes on my doubts. It's worse especially when it's during some, painful and trying time. The devil tends to show up especially at the height of my weaknesses. He is savvy enough to know that his lies are less effective during times of prosperity, perfect health, and so on. He waits until life is hard and I am vulnerable then suggests that God doesn't love me and suddenly it sounds compelling and I end up drifting into questioning God for who He is-is He really good to me? Does He care? Well, let's just say that's my world. Lynda Randle sings, "Life is easy when you up on the mountain. You've got peace of mind like you've never known; but things change when you're down in the valley; don't lose faith for you're never alone. You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain; oh, but talk comes easy when life is at its best..." But she reminds me that the God of the good times is still God in the bad times and the God of the day still the God in the night. No matter the situation and circumstances God's love is real.
When I find myself down in the valley I seemingly doubt His love. However, deep inside I know He loves me. Let me say, His love for me is sophisticated. I cannot understand this irrefutable love that He displayed when Jesus Christ laid down His life for me at the cross. This love is relentless and sacrificial. All for love, the Father (God) gave His Son Jesus to die for me so that I'd have eternal life (John 3:16); While I was still a sinner Christ died for me (Romans 5:8); Love comes from God, He is love. He loved me first (1John 4:7-9).
"O God, teach me to receive your love and help me to love my neighbor as I love myself. As I exercise the Fruit of the Spirit-Love, may your Grace be sufficient."
"O God, teach me to receive your love and help me to love my neighbor as I love myself. As I exercise the Fruit of the Spirit-Love, may your Grace be sufficient."
With love,
Kachel Nzaku Nashipae
Kachel Nzaku Nashipae
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