Secure In God’s Love

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

As we were driving home from school, my daughter Jasmine exclaimed, “Mom, Sara is so boy crazy. I feel bad. She has a different boyfriend every week. She’s always talking about a new boy that she likes, and she’s only in sixth grade.”

I nodded, understanding. “And why do you think that is?” I asked.

Jasmine shrugged. “I’m not sure. Why do you think?”

“Well,” I responded, “Sara only has her mom. Her dad was an alcoholic and doesn’t have much to do with her, and her sister died last year. She’s been through a lot in her life. Sometimes when people are looking for love, they think romantic love will fill them up when really, they’re probably just missing those other people and relationships.”

“That makes sense,” Jasmine said.

“Just be a good friend to her,” I advised. “Encourage her that she doesn’t need a boyfriend to know that she’s loved and valued. Let her know that you are there for her.”

“Okay. I will,” Jasmine responded.

It can be easy to look at the surface of someone’s life and make judgments about them based on their behavior or choices, but often if we take a step back, we can see a trail of pain or hurt that led them there.

Everyone wants to be loved. God put that desire in us, and it is good. But sometimes that desire gets twisted when we experience pain or hurt from those around us, and we can go looking to gain love in ways that aren’t healthy. The good news is, whether the people in our lives love us or not, God’s love for us never changes. It never ceases. And there is nothing in all creation that can separate us from his love! We are always and forever secure in him and his love for us.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank God for all the ways that he’s shown his love to you.