I recently heard someone say that one of the pivotal questions people have today is, "Am I loved?" People yearn to know that they are loved, cherished, and valued. Some people look for that love in relationships, whether from a spouse, family members, or friends. Even the best earthly example of love today pales in comparison to the love of Christ. You see, He loved us so much that He shed His blood and gave up His life so that you would not have to live life apart from Christ. This, my friends, is the way He loves you.
As Jesus went to celebrate the Passover meal with His disciples, He knew that His time on earth with them was coming to an end. John writes something beautiful in John 13 about Jesus as He entered into this meal with the disciples whom He had spent three years teaching and serving others around Him. John writes, "He had loved His disciples during His ministry on earth, and now He loved them to the very end" (verse 12). Jesus dearly loved His disciples. He loved them, served them, and gave up His for their sins and the sins of the world. He has that same deep love for all people. He loved every one of us so much that He endured the cross. Jesus later went on to say in John 15, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends" (verse 13). Indeed, Jesus laid down His life for us. There is no greater love.
My friend, if you ever wonder if you are loved, look to Jesus. He willingly left heaven and came to earth for the sole purpose of dying on a cross to rescue us from sin and death. You can live purposefully and freely, knowing that you are loved. May you live each day knowing how deeply loved you are. His love makes all the difference.
Take some time today to write out a prayer to God. In this prayer, acknowledge His love for you. Thank Him that Jesus loved us so much that He gave His own life for us. Tell Him how much you love Him in return. As you go throughout your day, live confidently, knowing that you are indeed very, very loved.
7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
12 But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. 13 They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.”
14 But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. 15 But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” 16 And he threw them out of the courtroom.
17 The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention.
