Most of us can grasp the idea or accept that God loves the world, but how can I know that He really loves me as an individual? Is my life just one speck of sand on the vast seashore of humanity? Does God really think about me personally?
Jesus gives us some insight when He explains, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matt 10:29-31
It’s easy for us to speak in general terms when we say things like, “God so loved the world,” but Jesus shows us God’s remarkable capacity and desire to love and know us uniquely and personally as individuals.
You see, I can say something like, “I love Twinkies.” But all Twinkies are the same, so it doesn’t matter which one I hold in my hand, I will love them equally.
If I say, “I love Americans,” I am still painting it with a broad brush, and you know that I am speaking in general, patriotic terms.
When I say, “I love my children,” I am still speaking in general terms, but any parent knows that I have a separate and unique love for each of my children as individuals. When I think of each one of them, I love them differently, because they are each different in their own, special way. The love I have for my eldest daughter cannot be given to or felt for anyone else but her, and the same goes for each of the other children.
In the same way, God has a love for you specifically that is reserved for you and you alone. He is the one who created you in your mothers womb, designed you with purpose in mind, and has a perfect will for your life. He thinks about you so much, he even counts your hairs. You are not just a speck of sand on the seashore of humanity. In fact, Psalm 139 says, “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand.” Wow! Now there’s a concept that is difficult for us to apprehend. But it’s true!
The ultimate proof of God’s love is demonstrated at the cross, where Jesus Christ bore your sins and poured out his life’s blood. Being God, He had the capacity to see you and know of every sin you have every committed or ever will, and yet he decided that you were worth the cost, and endured the agony.
It’s such a tragedy that so many people spend their lives running away from God or rebelling against Him, when He offers life, love and forgiveness so freely.
Just as tragic is the thought that many Christians still live in fear or insecurity when it comes to God’s perception of them.
No matter who you are, no matter where you came from, no matter where you may be going, I want you to know that today, God loves you. His love is greater than any earthly love that you can ever know.
If you have never yielded your life to Him, I encourage you to do it today. If you have been living in doubt, let knowledge release you today that God loves you with an everlasting love. He knows you personally.
Be blessed today, and share the love you have received with someone else who hasnt heard.