Does God really love us? I mean, really really?

Have you ever wondered if God loved you? If we make up a pros and cons list for why he should or should not love us, I'm sure we could come up with a very long list. God has no list. He has never been quiet about His love for you. He has been very forthcoming in scripture about how He feels towards you. Here are some of His answers to the question: "Does God love us?"

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” —Jeremiah 31:3

Everlasting love...no end, no beginning. Not dependent on how great you are, or how well you stack up against anyone else. He loves you for ever and ever and ever. The kind of love He has for you is a divine love that you, being a human, cannot comprehend. It's greater, it's deeper, it's wider, it's more intense, and it NEVER FAILS. He loves you on your good day. He loves you on your "can't find a clean pair of pants that fit day".

"God is love…" —1 John 4:16

It's not just this thing he DOES because he feels sorry for you. He IS love. God is love. God never changes. Therefore, God's is love all-the-time. There can never be a time when He does not love, because who he IS is love. Told you you couldn't comprehend it. ;) It's okay, I can't either. Just know (and trust) this...there is NEVER a time EVER that God is not loving you...ever.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11

God has a BIG picture of how things will work together for the good, and you are part that BIG picture. ("And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28) He wants to keep you from harm. He offers you hope and a future that is far beyond what you can imagine, if you just trust Him with your life. He loves you and He has GREAT things in store for you, here, and in Heaven.

"God created us in His image - and you as a person are important to God.Indeed the very hairs of your head are numbered." —Luke 12:7

He's just wild about you, okay? He created you and knit you together, and decided on the perfect number of hairs for your cute little head. You are no accident. He planned you and put you here on this earth at just the right time. He's nuts about you. YOU have a special place in His heart that only you can fill.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16

To make sure that you could always be with Him forever and ever, He died on the cross for your sins, making it possible for you (as a sinner) to be in Heaven (a perfect place free from sin). He paid the ultimate sacrifice that YOU could be with HIM in eternity. That is the kind of love He pours out on you. This kind of love is the kind that says, "let me just lay down my life so that you can come be with me forever" and then actually does it!

YOU ARE LOVED! There's your proof.

You don't have to wonder anymore. :)

Go out and live as someone who has a purpose; as someone who was not put here by accident, as someone who is loved, adored, accepted, and treasured every single day. God says you are His Beloved and NOTHING can change that.
So, take a deep breath and embrace His love for you today.