‘One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”‘
John 13 vs 23 – 24
The phrase, ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ is used six times in John’s gospel, and the general consensus is that the disciple whom Jesus loved was John himself. The significance of John referring to himself as the one who Jesus loved should not be underestimated. Permit me to use a simple analogy to buttress my point.
On a Tuesday evening many years ago, when my daughter was three years old, I returned home from work hungry and exhausted. After taking a shower, I sat down to eat my dinner at the dining table, and as soon as I did so, my daughter ran over and climbed onto my lap. Without hesitation, she proceeded to share my dinner with me, picking bits here and there, and encouraging me to feed her. Suffice to say, my hunger was far from satisfied that evening. But, to share my dinner with my precious little girl gave me far greater pleasure. The point here is that because she knew how much I love her, she felt completely free with me, as I’m sure many children do with their doting parents and grandparents. And this is precisely how John felt with regards to his relationship with Jesus. It is also how our saviour wants you to feel – free and at ease with him at all times.
The greatest gift you and I have today is the unquestionable, unflinching and unconditional love of God. It is not a love that is determined by what we do or say. Neither does it depend on the piety of our thoughts or prayers. It is free, unyielding and without demands. And guess what? The more you imbibe God’s love for you, the more joyful and at peace you will be.
Unfortunately, we tend to subconsciously see God’s love for us in the same light as the manner in which we love others. In other words, a love determined by the current status of the relationship. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, ‘one cannot turn love on and off like a tap’. That saying is much truer than we realise. Due to human nature, the love you and I have for others can often be hampered by arguments, pride, stubbornness, anger and unforgiveness. The reality is that the love is still there, but as a result of circumstances and varying emotions, we switch off the tap to prevent it from flowing.
The more you recognise how much God loves you, the freer you will be to be yourself with him; letting him know your weaknesses, how you feel, what you’re worried about, your faults, temptations you’re struggling with and so much more. By opening up to God, you enable him to give you the strength and wherewithal to overcome whatever challenges you’re experiencing.
And remember, ‘nothing can ever separate you from God’s love.’
Romans 8 vs 38
Focus less on your fears and challenges, and channel your thoughts on the reality of God’s unconditional love for you. It is the knowledge of his love for you that will enable you to overcome that seemingly insurmountable obstacle / challenge / temptation.
Tell yourself every day, “My God is good, and he loves me so much.” Then watch and experience an incredible transformation in your heart and mind.
There is no greater truth or power than God’s love for you.
My God is good and loves me so much. His love for us is unconditional, like no other. God loves us so much that He gave His only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from sin and everlasting death
Itís difficult to find educated people about this topic, but you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks