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How to Know You Are Truly Loved by God

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A Lesson in Love from a Little Girl

Years ago, I had a sweet conversation with my granddaughter, Emersyn. She was five at the time and visiting me for the weekend. Like most young children, she knew she was deeply loved, but that didn’t mean she always minded her Neenee.

I remember sitting on the couch when she asked me a question that still sticks with me:

“Neenee, would you be mad at me if I broke your plate?”

I told her that if it was an accident, then no, I wouldn’t be upset. But if I had warned her to stop playing around and she didn’t listen, that would be a different story. We talked through it, and she quickly understood that disobedience, not the broken plate, was the real issue.

She hugged me tightly and said, “I love you, Neenee!” I hugged her back and reassured her, “I will always love you, no matter what.”

“Even if I don’t mind?” she asked, looking me right in the eye.

“Even if you don’t mind,” I said, “you’ll always be my girl, and I’ll always love you.”

She smiled, gave me another quick squeeze, and ran off to play.

What 1 John Taught Me About God’s Unconditional Love

Later that week, I was reading 1 John 4 and came across a passage that reminded me of that moment with Emersyn.

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Just like Emersyn didn’t fear my love, even when she made mistakes, we don’t need to fear God’s love either. Yes, there are consequences for disobedience. But for those of us who are in Christ, fear doesn’t need to define our relationship with God. His perfect love pushes that fear away.

God’s Love Isn’t Conditional—It’s Constant

It’s easy to feel loved when we’ve “been good.” But what about when we’ve messed up? What about the times we’ve disobeyed or fallen short?

God already knew we would.

1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

He didn’t send a backup plan or an afterthought. He sent His only Son. That’s the depth of God’s love for us. He looked at each of us and said, “Even when you disobey, even when you get it wrong, you’ll always be my child, and I’ll always love you.”

How to Live in the Confidence of God’s Love

  • Don’t let fear keep you from going to God when you mess up.
  • Trust that His love isn’t earned, it’s freely given.
  • Live like someone who is fully, freely, and unconditionally loved by their Heavenly Father.

If a five-year-old can understand that kind of love, maybe it’s time we did, too.

So go ahead, give your worries to the Lord. He already knows. Now go run down the hall and play.

To GOD Goes the Glory

Have a Blessed Day

Let’s End with a Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving me even when I mess up. Help me remember that Your love isn’t conditional, and I never have to earn it. When I feel fear or shame, remind me that Your perfect love casts out fear. Teach me to live in that love daily and to extend it to others the way You extend it to me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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41 Comments

  1. Beautifully well put. Thank you for this much needed reminder.

  2. Julie Wood says:

    😊 I am so happy that I won!! I even posted twice!

  3. Julie Wood says:

    ❤ What a beautiful story! Oh the love of God! I am so undeserving of it but thankfully it is not about what I can do to deserve it, it is all about His continuous love for me as I strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him!! His love is unconditional! Our love for our grandchildren is a good example of unconditional love!!!

    I won!!!! I sometimes feel that I never win anything! I am so excited to spin my gift card on something I have seen on Tania’s blog! Decisions, decisions!! I will continue to read and post and who knows, I might win another gift card. 😂

    1. Congratulations!!! I hope you find something fun to purchase.

  4. Pam Sande says:

    I love this message!

  5. Mary Carol says:

    Thank you Tanya. ❤️‍🩹

  6. Beautiful. Thank you, Tania!

  7. Beautiful story that confirms a beautiful TRUTH 🥰

  8. Tania what a wonderful story we should all remember to Love like little children. I think it’s awesome that God loves me for who I am. Mistakes and all. Have a blessed week ahead.

  9. Thank you for your Sunday posts, and the reminder of Gods unconditional love! I like your new font! 🛐

  10. Such a cute story and a good reminder of God’s love for us!
    Thank you for this post today!

  11. Good word. One that we all need reminding of at times.

  12. Carolyn (petite) says:

    Love this post!

  13. Your precious g-girl looks just like you!! What a special way to share the love of Jesus.

  14. Love this message today, Tania!

  15. Loved this devotion. thanks

  16. Thanks for your post today. it was a special message for me.

  17. June Sulffridge says:

    Thank you this lovely story and for sharing your faith. I love it!

  18. Tania’s
    Tania,
    Those pictures with your beautiful granddaughter are truly beautiful and I can feel the love you have for her and though the years as she is much older.💕

  19. I love your Sunday devotionals! Thank you 🙏

  20. God’s unconditional love is our most precious blessing!

  21. Ginger Hiller says:

    His love is like no other love. I’m so thankful for it!

  22. I love this! Happy Sunday🙏❤🙏

  23. Jackie N. says:

    Wonderful story about your sweet Emersyn and unconditional love! It’s amazing how young children “get it”. Always love your Sunday posts! 🥰

    1. She caught in quickly that breaking the plate wasn’t the issue.

  24. Marci Hutchison says:

    Wonderful message today
    Thank you! Enjoy your day

  25. What a surprise blessing that my new blog person is a Christian. Thank you for starting this day of worship so beautifully!

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed my Sunday post.

  26. Amen! Thankful for His unconditional love and thankful for your willingness to share your faith.

  27. Jenniffer Groski says:

    So grateful that Jesus has unconditional love for me ❤️

  28. Thank you for this encouragement!

  29. Deborah M says:

    Thank you for this beautiful reminder of God’s love and grace.

  30. Mary Kinard says:

    What a great reminder that God loves us no matter how many “plates we break”!

    1. I’ve broke a lot of plates over the years. 🙄

  31. Kathy Laweryson says:

    so sweet!! And a great message!

    my sister’s granddaughter is named Emerson (“Emmie”) too – which is our maiden surname. Love it!

  32. Carol Ann Jablonski says:

    A pastor once stated this during a service, “love the sinner; hate the sin”. He must have said that 20+ years ago and it still sticks with me because it’s easy to remember.