HOW DO YOU LOVE GOD?
or better yet;
WHY DO YOU LOVE GOD?
Lately the strangest thing has been on my mind, and it has caused me a bit of wonderment. Everyone who professes salvation and some who don’t, claim to love God. Some would dare say they love Him more than life itself. Yet I have a strange yearning to know “why?” Why do they love Him? Yes, they love Him because He has taken care of them. Yes, they love Him because He sent His Son, Jesus to provide them with a way to heaven. Even if they haven’t accepted it yet, they know about it and love God for the opportunity He gave through His Son.
Let’s go back for a moment to your childhood. When you were born, you probably didn’t understand the concept of love. You were taught to say “I love you.” Without even knowing what it meant. But you learned as time went on what it meant to other people and you began to love the same way they did. You possibly loved your parents. You knew them; you lived with them; and as a child, you couldn’t see yourself being without them; I mean who would take care of you; cook your meals; make sure you had clean clothes and clean bodies; cared for you when you had the measles or chicken pox? Who else would teach you how to ride a bicycle; count to ten; tie your shoes? Amazing isn’t it the things we need our parents for. Many times we need them as a confidant; a shoulder to cry on when our best friend had been mean to us or our boy/girlfriend had broken our hearts. Have you ever thought about “why” you loved your parents so much? Was it because you “needed” them; because they “did” stuff for you? You could probably have bargained with them in order to get/do stuff you wanted that you would probably have been better without. Did you ever say, “But Daddy, don’t you love me” or “If you loved me you’d let me”? Strange how these things carry over into our relationships with other people; husbands; wives; I’ve even seen parents play the same game with the children. Have you ever wondered why you love them? Is it because of what they do for you; or is it because of who they are in your life. Would you love your mother if she failed to prepare your food? Would you love your father if he failed to earn money needed for you to get that new pair of jeans you want so badly? Yes, they brought you into this world without asking you if you wanted to be a part of it. In most cases, they wanted someone to love because their love together was too much for just two people. Their love spilled over to you and in return you loved them. Yes, you get angry with them; yes they get angry with you. But do you stop loving each other? It does seem that way from the opposite side sometimes. But it isn’t normally that way. I know in my life, I’ve been extremely upset by my family members; even to the point of demonstrating what is known as ‘tough love’.
Now, back to our relationship with God; how deep does your love for Him go? Do you love Him because He did this for you; or that for you? Do you love Him for what He does; for what He gives and what He gave? Can you honestly say that you love Him for WHO HE IS?
I’ve referred to a story before of a couple who had lived for quite a while and seemingly had no problems come their way. Finally, there was a fire in the town where they lived, and it consumed their home and belongings. When asked how they were able to carry on with no ill feelings toward God, they simply stated, “We feel grateful that He ‘allowed’ us to go through this trial. We feel that He knows He can trust us with the hardship; that we won’t blame.” They turned their trial into a testimony that has often blessed me to the very soles of my feet when I think of it. I believe these folk loved God for WHO HE WAS. They didn’t turn against Him when their prayer to Him was answered by the word, “no”; they counted it a privilege. (God usually has something better in mind during times like these if we keep the faith and trust His perfect will.) I believe those who can rejoice in tribulation; those who can praise His Name in the middle of hardships; truly love God for WHO HE IS, more than for what He does for them. That in no way discounts the love everyone has for the things He does. I just ask myself the question, “If God never did anything for me, would I still love Him?” “If He never provided enough money to last till the next payday; or caused my material things to last longer than they would normally, would I still love Him?” When I was sick and thought I was going to die; I continually got worse instead of better; did I still love Him even though I didn’t recover like I wanted to?
If you were to ask yourself similar questions, what would your honest answer be? God knows your heart; He knows you love Him; He knows how you love Him. My reason for asking these questions and going through all these thoughts is for you to give yourself the answer. If the greatest hardship you could ever imagine were to come against you, would you still love God and know that, if He didn’t get you out of the situation, He would get you through and bring you out better than you were?
God loves you regardless of what you do for Him. He loves you even when you turn against Him. Simply put, GOD LOVES YOU; NO MATTER WHAT!!!!! Is it returned the same? Maxine Branthoover
*”Therefore I take pleasure in mine infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distress for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (II Corinthians 12:10 KJV) **”My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (II Corinthians 12:9 KJV)
© 7/12/2007 Maxine Branthoover
Erica
Charles
Maxine
