When I pray, it’s not just about making requests. It is also about giving God my words—and my heart. Sometimes this means that I tell God I love him. Yes, it is true; I do love God.
Although simply saying, “I love you” is a great place to start, God deserves more than that. I let him know how much I love him and affirm that I would be lost without him.
Yet, as I contemplate my love for God, I eventually reach a point of consternation, for I realize—if I am to be completely honest—that my love for God seems to be conditional.
That is, I might just love him only because of what he has done for me and is doing for me, a love that is a “because of” kind of love, not an “in spite of” kind of love.
I am left with the soul-piercing question, if God did absolutely nothing for me would I still love him?
While that query gives my pause, I need not pause too long, for I know that regardless of how deep or fickle, absolute or conditional my love for God, he will not reciprocate in kind.
God’s love for us is unconditional. There is nothing we can to that will cause him love us anymore—and nothing we can do that will cause him to love us any less.
Thank you, God. I love you!
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
Bogged Down Reading the Bible?
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.