Jesus Loves Me This I Know

Someone has said that on judgment day the Lord Jesus will ask only one question: “Did you believe that I loved you?” Kind of turns the table around, doesn’t it?

Not “Did you love me?”

Not “How many souls did you save?”

Not “Were you successful?”

Not “Did everyone speak well of you?”

I could list pages of questions I think he might ask. But none would reveal my time on the earth more than this inquiry: “Did you believe that I loved you?” How we view God determines everything we do and how we do it.

Knowing God loves me supersedes my roles, my job, my everything else. It silences all those inner voices that tell me I’m not a good enough wife, a good enough mother, a good enough daughter, friend, teacher… reflector of Christ. It upends all my inclinations to base my value on what others say.

Knowing God loves me determines how I love others. It opens my eyes to see all love originates from him. John says the reason we love God—or anyone—is because he first loved us. Only as we receive love from its source do we have anything to give others… and the ability to give it freely.

When my daughter was young and I would tell her I loved her, she would sometimes remark, “Well of course you do. You have to, you’re my mother.” What she couldn’t possibly have known at that time was the profound bond a mother feels with her child, a love that extends far beyond responsibility. I could not not have loved her even if I tried. But I’m afraid I can view God’s love in a similar abstract kind of way. He loves me because he has to, or because I do something good. The incredible truth, however, is that God loves me because he wants to, whether I do good or bad.

It’s who he is. It’s what he does. Jesus loves me…this I know.

Do you know he loves you?

Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help us become more and more aware of your unfathomable love. May we never take it for granted nor fail to receive it.

Throughout This Day: Take a few minutes to reflect on how you would answer the question, “Did you believe that I loved you?” on judgment day.