Loved by God

Many people in the world do not know that they are loved by God.  Believe it or not...There are many believers today within the body of Christ that do not truly know that they are loved by God.

Not too long ago, I completed a Bible study with a group of ladies at my local church.  In one of the video lessons, the Bible teacher wanted everyone to know that they were loved by God.  In fact, she had us to do an exercise where we would tell each other in our small group..."You are loved by God."

The Apostle Paul was one of the most bold, courageous believers in Biblical times.  In some of his letters to different churches, he wrote and spoke about being loved by God.  He also encouraged other believers to know that they were loved by God.

Let's take a look at specific portions of some of those letters to other believers in a few of the churches back then.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  (Galatians 2:19-20, NIV)

Paul understood that God not only loved him but gave Himself up for him.  Because of that revelation, this apostle knew that he wasn't his own.  He put his faith in Jesus and lived for God.

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul spoke about the Father's love for them.

"To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."  (Romans 1:7, NIV)

Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled together throughout the region of Thessalonica.

In their letters to fellow believers, they also spoke about God's love for them. 

"For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, NIV) 

"But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.  He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, NIV) 

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."  (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV)

Do you know that you are loved by God?  Believe and receive the Father's love for you.  You are loved by God!

Repeat after me, "I am loved by God."

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.