Today, I was reminded of a powerful verse: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18, NIV). This made me think about how fear can isolate us from others. When we don’t address our pain, we build walls around ourselves and stop living freely, as God intended. Instead of feeling connected, we can drift away from God without realizing it.
For example, I’ve been working on rebuilding my relationships. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned that it’s not my job to judge them; my job is to love them. As it says in 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love” (ESV). Grace is what keeps relationships strong. When we close ourselves off, we miss out on the joy of connection and can end up living in a way that goes against God’s teachings.
Unconditional Love
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of unconditional love—especially God’s love. It’s difficult to grasp sometimes because human love often comes with conditions. We feel we must earn love, but that’s not how it should be. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, NIV). I think about my relationship with my partner. Even when he annoys me, my love for him doesn’t waver, just like my love for my daughter, siblings, or mother remains constant, no matter what.
God loves us perfectly and unconditionally. Even if we don’t receive the same love from others, we can still love them in return. This is what God calls us to do—give love freely.
Signs of God’s Love
Sometimes, we overlook the signs of God’s love because we aren’t looking for them. For example, I once wondered why a friend never invited me to spend time with her. Then, one day, she texted me, saying, “I love you,” and later planned to invite me to lunch. It felt like a gentle reminder from God that He knows my heart and is always watching over me.
It might seem trivial, but I believe God shows us love in everyday moments. “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me…’” (Matthew 19:14, NIV). He invites us to come to Him like children, trusting in Him with everything. Even when I feel hurt, I trust that God is working behind the scenes.
The Power of Restoration
God is a God of restoration. He gives back what the enemy has taken from us. No matter our mistakes, we can turn things around with His help. I’ve made choices in the past that didn’t align with my faith. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes…” (Revelation 21:4, NIV). But God offers forgiveness.
It’s crucial to remember that our past doesn’t define us. We can seek forgiveness and work toward a brighter future with God’s guidance.
I hope to build a strong foundation for my family. The little things matter, like creating a nurturing home and deepening our relationships. My partner and I are best friends, growing together, and that’s something I cherish.
Question for Reflection:
What experiences have you had that remind you of God’s love in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!