February 12
The Depth
of God's Love
1 John 4:10
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Daily Steps
Many new believers confuse God's love with human love, believing they must earn it through good behavior or effort. This verse completely redefines love, making it the most secure source of peace for your identity.
The peace of God's love is found in its depth and its origin:
Origin: Love did not start with you. It is "not that we loved God, but that he loved us." His love is the source; your response is simply the result. This means His love is completely independent of your feelings or efforts.
Depth: His love is proven by the costliest action imaginable: sending His Son as an "atoning sacrifice." The depth of His love is measured by the perfection of Christ's sacrifice, not by the imperfection of your performance.
To find peace, stop questioning whether you are worthy of His love. Your worth is settled by the Atoning Sacrifice. Your identity is simply that of the one who is completely, profoundly, and unconditionally loved by God.
Reflective Question
If you truly accept that God’s love for you is based on His action (sending Christ), and not on your love or goodness, how does that free you from striving for approval today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for redefining love for me. I confess that I often try to earn what is freely given.
Help me to grasp the incredible depth of Your love, proven by the sacrifice of Jesus.
I rest my identity entirely in the truth that You loved me first and unconditionally. May this peace anchor my heart today. Amen.
