More Love than You Can Handle
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-6
I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. Jeremiah 31:3
Heather’s friends tease her because her mom won’t buy her the hottest jeans—even if they had the money. Jacob doesn’t fit with his friends anymore because he didn’t make the football team. And ever since Su-Jung refused to help her best friend cheat on her homework, her friend has made her feel like a real loser.
Talk about it: How have your friends let you down recently? How did you feel?
We’ve all been there. Just when we needed their love the most—well, if we were passing out grades, they would have flunked. Friendship is a great gift from God. But it can also hurt us too, because even the best of friends don’t love us perfectly.
Have you ever noticed how people often require us to measure up to their expectations if we hope to keep them as our friends? They make us feel like we have to earn their love and acceptance by acting exactly how they want. Some expect us to keep up with the latest hairstyle or clothing trends to stay in the group. Others accept us only if we get good grades or do well at sports. Still others want us to act up before they accept us. If you think about it, we spend a lot of our life trying to live up to others’ standards to earn their love.
That’s what makes God’s love so awesome. There isn’t anything you have to do to gain his love and friendship. In fact, there’s nothing you can do. His love is unfailing because he never fails you or lets you down. He loves you just the way you are. He will never leave you.
You never want to lose that kind of love. And the great news is that you never will, because God says that he loves you with an everlasting love. He will always love you no matter what!
You are significant to God, and it can never be otherwise. His acceptance of you never depends on your performance. Remember that God as your heavenly Father affirms you, loves you, and drenches you with significance. He loves you with all your special strengths and is there for you in your weaknesses. And when people let you down, remember that God is always with you, loving you just the same.
A God who loves this way is worthy of our affection and devotion. Enjoy his love, and thank him today!
TALK: How is God’s love different from that of other people around you?
PRAY: God, help us not to worry about being just like other people so we can win their love. Thanks for loving and accepting us just the way we are.
ACT: Since God has shown you this kind of unfailing and everlasting love, how would you like to show love to a friend or family member today?