A Love Beyond It All

You are loved. By the King of Kings, the One who created the entire world, you are loved by Him. Yet, we live in a world where we are told that we need others opinions and acceptance to be enough, be deemed worthy, and be loved. When I was younger, I thought that everyone could be my friend, and that everyone would like me. This assumption was destroyed when I was 13. I remember this one specific person in my life didn't like me, I questioned why. I realized I began to change around her and I always would wonder what was wrong with me, what did I do? After having a conversation with my Mom, I came to the realization I was changing for this person, and I hated it. But also, that not everyone will like me, and whether it's because of jealousy, just because, or they don't know me well enough to determine that, I cannot change for them. People have walked in and out of my life, people I enjoyed, people who I have memories with, but they walked out, some by choice, others by just life, we ended up not talking anymore and that friendship faded. The ones who walked out by choice, gave up on me, I wonder why... But I know, God is good, He has a reason, and those people were only meant to be there for a season. When people leave, we wonder what we did, we look at ourselves, and sometimes, we unconsciously begin to change ourselves to "fit" what we think they like in a person, this goes for friendships, and more than that. We try and change for others approval, acceptance, and opinions. Why? I mean, if you know God, you know His character, and His love, then why? Why desire something from the world that is flawed then something from God you already have that is flawless? You are loved by the King of Kings, the Creator of the world, the One who numbers the grain of sand beneath your feet, the One who numbers the stars that dangle above your head, the One who knows the number of hairs atop your head, the One who sees you as enough, the One who calls you worthy, because His Son has made you worthy... That is who you're loved by. And you're chasing this fickle, changing, inconsistent, poor, and flawed love. Not only love, but also, the acceptance, and approval of people. And you're treasuring their opinions and acceptance/approval like it's gold. But what we forget or some may not even realize, you have the gold you're seeking, but will you take it? You see God doesn't force us to accept His love or Him, but He offers it. If He forced us to accept Him and His love, would it really be love? Would we really be accepting Him? No, that'd be like forcing someone to like chocolate who actually hates it. You forcing them to like it, doesn't change what they think of chocolate. Their tastebuds don't like it, you can't change that. I think this is an important topic, especially now. Love God and love others. You don't need to chase people for love, change for people's acceptance, or alter yourself for approval. Remember who you're loved by. And when you find yourself chasing love, acceptance, or approval, ask yourself why, why am I chasing after this when I am loved, accepted, and approved by Someone who doesn't require me changing myself or needing to capture His Love, but He offers it, and loves me for who I am. Now obviously, pursuing your significant other, and love with family, etc. isn't bad, but it becomes bad when we are pursuing that love, acceptance, approval from the world over the love of our Father. The world pursues love, acceptance, and approval as if those three things are precious metals that need to be obtained by others for you to be enough, important, for you to have any place in this life.

Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you. The Lord on high is Mighty!

-Psalm 93:4