“I’m already loved, I’m already chosen. I know who I am, I know what You’ve spoken…” - Jireh by Elevation Worship and Maverick City

I love you. Those are powerful words. They create a feeling in both the person who says them and in the person who hears them. Sometimes we underestimate the power of love. Imagine a child knowing they are loved and feeling it. The self-confidence they have is through the roof. Now imagine you are that child. You are loved. Not only by the people around you, but also by your Father in Heaven. Yet sometimes we forget and make decisions through a yearning heart. We settle for any guy just so we can “feel” loved. Even if he’s mistreating us or just wrong for us. We settle for any job not believing we could do more and be more. We settle for the wrong friends out of fear of not being accepted by anyone. But you are already loved.

God shows His love for you in little things and big things. Those rent payments you never thought you would make. The food on your table that you didn’t think was possible. The warmth from your heater that you could not afford. Those moments you thought were over for you, but a miracle came through. That’s God’s love. Not only is he saying it in your happy times but also in your sad times as well. It’s in the hug you needed and the support you received. That peace that came upon you in the midst of crisis or strength when you didn’t think you could do it one more day. It is all love. The biggest one is the rugged cross on the hill. Jesus died for you because of love. Remind yourself of this whenever you yearn for love. God loves you very much. He is also not the only one. You have people around you that care too. Think of the actions of your friends and family. They are, after all, your “loved ones”.

One thing we can do as the recipient of this beautiful love is to share it with others. Be the example Jesus was to us. Show this love to every person you meet. The good, the bad and the ugly. No exceptions. It’s too good a love to keep to yourself. Give respect. Be generous. Help with what you can. Share what you have. Be the light that the world needs. As you watch how each loving task is changing a life you will see how powerful love is. I know it sounds corny but it’s true. I picture your heart glowing as you give a big hug to another. Then they take their glowing heart and share it in the meal they cook for their kids. They then take their glow and share it in the toys they share with their friends. That’s how it spreads. 

The Bible says God is close to the broken hearted or those crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18). A broken heart has just lost love in a terrible way. If this is you, know that God is close to you in this time. He sees you and knows your pain. He has not left you for one moment. He understands what you are going through and wants you to know that this will not last forever. As painful as it feels right now, it will get better. Look for His love and you will find it. Hold on to His love! Also, make sure to love yourself as well. No matter what happened you do deserve love and you need to be kind to yourself in this difficult season. (Take Care of Yourself).

Because you are loved I want to give you some friendly reminders. You are worthy. You are important. You are special. You are amazing. So don’t settle. Don’t take the disrespect. Don’t accept any form of mistreatment. And do not hold on to those excuses. You deserve everything and anything good! If everyone out there deserves love, that includes you. You don’t have to work hard to prove yourself to anyone. Because you are already great! You are already loved. You are a star in someone’s eyes already. Remember these truths my friend. Knowing you are loved and chosen can have a powerful effect in who you are and what you are able to accomplish through God. Love is indeed powerful.