Struggle & Triumph | Who God Says I AmSample

I Am Perfectly Loved

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4,5

Everyone loves you when you score the point, win the race or have a championship season, but it’s a different story when you miss the shot, make a mistake or lose the game. People love winners because they hope to share in their glory. 

But a true measure of love is when it is given with no expectation of a return. Someone who is dead has nothing to give. God loved us when we were dead. 

Love is also measured by its cost. Jesus’ love for us cost Him everything. More than the loss of His reputation, His friends’ loyalty and even His life, Jesus endured the loss of perfect communion with His beloved Father. Because of His perfect love for us, Jesus endured torture, pain, suffering, humiliation, shame, abandonment and alienation. 

• He was crushed for us.
• He endured death so we could have life.
• He endured shame so we could enjoy honor.
• He endured suffering so we could be set free.
• He endured alienation so we could be brought near.
• He endured abandonment so we would never be alone.

Some of the ways people express love are through acts of service, gift-giving, words of affirmation and quality time. Jesus performed the greatest possible act of service through His death on the cross. He gave us the greatest gift possible when He gave us Himself. He gave us the greatest words of affirmation through His Word, the Bible. He gives us quality time through His promise to live within us and never leave us. 

Application: Since Jesus proved His perfect love for us, we never need to be afraid. He will never ask more of us than He has already given for us. Because Jesus loves us perfectly, we are free to give love to others.