Christ's Love Makes Us Brave

What an awesome assurance, encouragement , and comfort it is to know that nothing whatsoever will be able to separate us from the love of Christ (eternally guaranteed)! In all these things (trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, death...), we are winning through Christ Who loves us. We're on the winning team. The battle is already won when Christ laid His life down for us. God never leaves us and never stops loving us. It is impossible for us to be separated from God's love! Christ's death for us on the cross is the ultimate proof of His unlimited & unending love for us.

Christ's followers should not be surprised or shocked about persecution, trials, and sufferings. Being a Christian does not make us immune to suffering. Persecution for the sake of Christ and His Gospel is not a strange thing. We should expect it and be prepared for it. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12) Jesus says in John 15:18, 20, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first...Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also." If we stand up for God's truths, we cannot expect to escape the mockery and even hatred of the ungodly/unbelievers. Forgive them and love them still. Do good to them and pray for them. Stay faithful and true to God  & His Word in the face of contempt and persecution. Never compromise God's truths! God wants us to know how exceedingly great His love is so that we will feel totally secure in Him and will not be afraid...come what may.

"To be loved by Jesus--is to be preferred before the possession of a world!" (James Smith) To be loved by the Creator of the Universe (He knew what loving us would cost Him and how He would be treated by us and others) is beyond comprehension. It should cause us to rejoice and do a happy dance all day long :). His love for us never changes and never fails. Being sure of and understanding God's love can bring us joy, confidence, contentment, and courage even in the midst of pain, suffering, and uncertainties. The quality of our life is not determined by our circumstances but by our relationship with God. When you go through trials and difficulties, it doesn't mean God loves you any less. Focus on His immeasurable, unconditional, & unchanging love for you and rest in it!

We, Christ's followers, are to live fearless & victorious lives because we are more than conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus says in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5:4-5) 

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving me and for assuring me of Your relentless love! Knowing You and Your love that is better than life, I don't have to fear the difficulties of this world because I have everything I need to face the challenges of life. Please help me to always rely on You & rest in Your love. Please embolden me to live my life fearlessly for Your glory and for Your kingdom. I am Yours and You are mine.