A Love that Matters the Most

by Daniel Choplin

In life we seek to be loved. This is something that comes naturally and is instilled within us by God. We often find ourselves searching for love or even seeking to please others to receive love in return. 1 John 4:8 says, “God is love.”

How often do we seek to please him and his love? Far before we think to seek God and his love, God’s love has always been there waiting on us. You see, he thought of you before you thought of him. His love is so great that it surpasses misunderstandings and or confusions we may have had before we entered that honorable walk we call a relationship with him.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, it speaks to the very essence of who God is. Yes, these are the characteristics of him, but there is so much more, they truly are the makeup of God. His love is not just a trait, it is an action. God’s love is patient and kind. Also, in some ways God’s love is blind. The blindness of God’s love is not to be taken as a weakness though. It is understanding and unconditional but will not be taken advantage of.

Just as an earthly parent with love we must reprimand our children, God may have to also reprimand us, but his love is still there. In his love he does not expect perfection, he just wants obedience. When we obey God, we are truly pleasing the one we need to while feeling that love we so desire. It does not matter what you have done in the past, God’s love is far greater and can sustain you through all you face in the future.

On this earth you may have had times where you feel as though you have had to earn love from another. The love of God is never earned as we could never give back to him what he has given us. Rather the love of God is freely given. It is true that when you see something advertised as free it never really is. This time though God’s love does not cost you anything as it is unmatched to any love you could ever compare it to.

In the book of Matthew Chapter 10, Jesus had given the disciples all power to heal sickness and disease, but he also commanded them to go to the lost sheep of Israel. God’s love does not discriminate toward the lost sheep or

those that are already in the fold. In verse 8, Jesus tells his disciples “freely you have received; freely give.” As God has given us his love, we start seeing changes in our life. As his love overtakes us, we then find it easier to love those we once could not. Today accept his love in a new way and see the transformation in your life and those around you.

About The Author

Daniel Choplin is the associate pastor of Living Water Worship Center in Cleveland, TN, where he also works at Mars Wrigley for 17 years. He is married to Kara Choplin who serves as the children’s pastor. Daniel also has two wonderful daughters, LaurenGrace (15) and EmmaCate (12).

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