LOVE

Deep down in every heart is a desire to be loved, to be seen, to be known, and to be accepted — just as we are.

From the moment we’re born, we seek it. As we grow, we search for it in different places — in friendships, relationships, family, accomplishments, even in our image and reputation. We long for love to fill the emptiness inside.

But here’s the truth: We were created by Love and for love. And our hearts will always be restless until they find the source of real, lasting, unconditional love — the love of God.

Let's explore the perfect love that God offers us, and how we can respond to it.

I. Our Attempts at Love

Let’s start with our attempts.

The need to be loved and accepted is one of the deepest desires of the human heart. It’s wired into us. When that love isn’t established in the foundation of our lives — especially in childhood — we often go searching for it in desperate places.

Some of us chase romance, hoping it will complete us. Others get caught up in infatuation, or codependent relationships, attaching ourselves to people out of fear of being alone. Some look to sex to feel wanted. Others seek validation through achievements, applause, or status.

We pour ourselves into these things, hoping to satisfy that longing. But here’s what happens — no matter how much love and attention we receive, it’s never quite enough. Because what we truly need isn’t temporary affection. It’s lasting, unconditional, soul-deep love.

And sometimes, we try to deny that need altogether. We toughen up, become independent, convincing ourselves we don’t need anyone. But denying this need is like denying our very existence. We were made by love, for love — and that longing doesn’t disappear. It just finds new, sometimes unhealthy, ways to show up.

Even when we do receive love from others — friends, family, spouses — there are limitations. People may love us, but they don’t always have the capacity to love us the way we need, especially in times of pain.

And if we try to love solely from our own strength, we eventually run dry. Emotional burnout is real. You give and give, hoping to feel loved in return, and still find yourself empty.

This is especially true when we’re carrying wounds or trauma. Trauma, at its core, is harm inflicted on the soul. And the healing for that harm isn’t time alone — it’s love. Consistent, reassuring, tender love. A love that affirms your worth, holds space for your pain, and slowly restores what was broken.

But here’s the problem — most people, even those who care about us, can’t provide that kind of healing love consistently. Because only one source can: the love of God.

II. God’s Love: The Unending Source

This brings us to the heart of the message.

God is not just loving — the Bible says He is love. It’s His very nature. It’s not something He turns on and off based on our behavior or moods.

And His design for us is simple: That we would love Him with all of our heart, mind, and strength. But here’s the beautiful part — we don’t have to conjure up that love on our own. It begins with Him.

When we open our hearts to receive God’s love, we tap into an unending, limitless source. A love that never grows weary. A love that sees us at our worst and still calls us beloved. A love that heals the deepest wounds we carry.

This love isn’t earned. It isn’t based on our performance. It’s a gift. And when we draw from His love through Jesus Christ, it fills us in the places where people and even ourselves fall short.

Only God can love us in the exact way, measure, and moment we need it.

When we’re rejected, His love affirms us.

When we feel broken, His love restores us.

When we run dry, His love replenishes us.

And it’s not just for us — His love teaches us how to love others. Not in unhealthy, codependent ways. Not out of fear or manipulation. But with wisdom, compassion, and grace.

We learn to love our friends, our families, even strangers — because we’re not drawing from an empty cup. We’re drawing from the unending well of God’s love.

III. Our Response to His Love

So what’s our part?

It begins with receiving His love. Not just knowing about it. Not just agreeing with it in theory. But opening our hearts and saying, “Jesus, I need You. I need Your love. I need Your healing. I accept You as my Lord and Savior.”

And from there, we stay rooted in His Word, His promises, and His presence. We build our lives on His principles, letting His love be the foundation for every relationship we have.

There are different kinds of love — storge, the love within a family. Phileo, the love between friends. Eros, romantic love. But none of these can be fully healthy or whole without the foundation of agape — God’s unconditional love.

When we’re filled with His love first, we can experience these other loves in their proper place, with wisdom and balance.

Human love, while beautiful, is limited and fragile on its own. People will fail us. Even we will fail ourselves. But the love of God — the love found in Jesus Christ — is perfect, constant, and never-ending.

You were created by Love, for love. And the only love that will never fail you is His.

Today, let’s open our hearts again to that love. Let it fill the empty places, heal the broken ones, and overflow into every part of our lives.

Thank you.

May your day be filled with joy🎉