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(1 John 4:19) [ESV] "We love because he first loved us." [Message] "We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first."
In this upcoming series, we're going to take a closer look at the teachings Jesus left us to follow. We begin by reviewing the first and most crucial element: LOVING GOD.
NB - These past series have gone nowhere without your testimonial input, and so I thank you in advance for your extremely valuable contribution.
A terrible war had just ended, and many very broken men came back and tried to raise a family in love. Growing up in the 50s, like many immigrant children of that era, I was raised within a deeply entrenched system of control aimed at instilling fear. During my childhood, the concept of GOD was portrayed in a way that was meant to frighten me. Phrases like "Be careful, GOD is watching you!" and "He is EVERYWHERE. He sees EVERYTHING..." were constant reminders intended to keep me in line.
NB - In defence of my parents, life is a complex journey where children are left to raise children—so what can you expect?
Anyway, my parents clearly didn't know any better, and because this method had been deemed adequate and effective for countless generations before them, it naturally influenced their approaches and shaped their perspectives.
I've frequently described on here how merely hearing the word 'father' would cause my stomach to churn... How many children like me have endured relentless beatings, been labelled worthless, and had degrading names thrown at them like hand grenades from a seemingly deranged, spittle-flecked mouth? Is it any wonder, then, that I avoided any connection with this terrifying Heavenly Father...?
NB - Love is often considered subjective because each person experiences and expresses it in their own unique way. This individuality means that personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and emotions shape everyone's understanding of love. This subjectivity contributes to love's complexity and personal nature. Fortunately for us, GOD is SUPER-NATURAL, therefore, He IS ABOVE NATURE!
So ... how did 'I' find out that GOD wasn't the monster I'd been brought up to believe? Through Jesus! When Jesus, the embodiment of GOD (Colossians 2:9), came into my life, my eyes and heart were finally opened, and I saw GOD as I was always meant to see Him—my Loving Heavenly Father! (Psalm 103:13, Matthew 6:9, Luke 15:11).
Therefore, together with all the Saints, I can finally and honestly proudly proclaim, "I LOVE YOU, MY LORD AND MY GOD!"
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Let us pray, Heavenly Father. I thank You for Your unconditional love, which You showed me by sending Jesus. Forgive me for the times I have doubted You, and for the hurts that separated me from You. Please help me to continually walk with Your Holy Spirit so that I can always see You as my loving Father and live a life that pleases You." Amen!
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URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS (Please keep checking as more are being added almost daily)