In the Word: Defined By Love
Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. It is our desire that this series will aid you in getting in the Bible for yourself and discovering the joy that comes from hearing from God through the pages of His Word.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
READ:
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:35-39 (NLT)
J. D. Greear teaches, “In Christ, there is nothing I can do that would make You love me more and nothing I have done that makes You love me less.” I have peace in knowing that He is a solid place to stand, and I am defined by the fact that I can never lose Him. I am defined by Love.
Prior to losing my first daughter, I had expected her to experience many firsts, like first smile, first step, and first word. But I did not expect that she would experience a first that I still await. She was first to meet our Lord.
As a mother, it does not seem that my own little baby should go much of anywhere without me, much less be first to do something that is still incomprehensible to me on earth. I had hoped to “be there” for her in this life. But I could not be there for her in death. I could not go with her. I could not tell her what to expect. I could not help her through. But Jesus could. And Jesus did. My baby, too, is defined by Love.
REFLECT:
- Read 1 John 4:9-11. How do these verses inform our understanding of what it means to be defined by Love?
- What roadblocks do you face in believing that you are truly and completely loved by God?
JOURNAL:
Make your own list of the”obstacles” in your life, similar to those found in Romans 8:35-39. Echo the pattern laid out by Paul and remind yourself that nothing on your list can separate you from the love of God.
We would be honored to share your story as a Hope Mom on our blog. On Saturdays we feature Hope Moms’ stories in order to showcase God’s faithfulness even in the midst of such deep sorrow. If you would like to have your story shared on our blog for this purpose, learn more and submit here.
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