We Are Loved | Qualities of Women Who Trust Jesus

‭‭“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love…” —Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭

Imagine what our relationship with God would be like if the Bible didn’t call us His children and didn’t call Him our Father. Would He just be a warrior who fights our battles or a king who dictates our lives? Would our interactions with Him be cold and impersonal? What if God decided that humanity would multiply in some way other than through childbirth, so that parenting and family life never existed. How strange that would be!

Thankfully, that’s not the case. In His Word, God reveals Himself to us as our Father, and to help us understand what this means, He set up a whole structure where humans would experience childhood and parenthood in varying capacities, all within a lifetime. Even the ones who never have children of their own experience elements of parenthood and motherly love through other relationships.

Why would He go through the trouble? Is the love of a parent for their child and the love of a child for their parent really that critical in understanding the Father’s heart toward us?

Yes.

In Ephesians 5:1, Paul reminds us who we are. “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love…”

Before we are anything else, we are simply children. Children loved by the most dedicated and committed Father. A Father who loves— not with an ordinary love— but with agape love. The kind that never changes, never backs out and never gives up. It’s a love that is set intentionally, by choice, not an emotional response to some trigger but a decision of the will. His love is a commitment to the end, a duty that never ceases to be fulfilled, a covenant that lasts forever.

God’s love, however, is not one of commitment and duty only. His love is an act of the will, yes, but it’s also heartfelt and genuine. Dearly loved in greek (the original language) indicates that the object of His love is special… esteemed… beloved.

You and I, as the objects of His love, are the favorites. We are wholly worthy of love, children of special affection. But we have to come to terms with something. We won’t imitate Him effectively— we won’t walk in the way of love— until we first understand and accept our identity as dearly loved daughters.

Do you believe that God’s love is permanently and irrevocably set on you? Or do you believe it for other people but not for yourself?

Let the voices of doubt and insecurity be silenced today in the name of Jesus. Hear the voice of the Father speaking loud and clear through the noise calling you to walk in the way of love— secure, confident and beaming brighter than ever. Every time we forget today and each day moving forward, let’s remember who we are. We are His daughters and we are dearly loved.

For Your Journal

Find It:

In this portion of your journal, write out a Bible verse. You can find a verse that fits a current life situation or use the one we used in today’s devotion.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love…” —Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭

Fix It:

In this portion of your journal, pull out a few key words from the verse you chose above, or summarize the verse in your own words. Write it in pretty lettering or sketch something that will help you visualize the meaning of the verse and fix it in your mind. Repeat these words to yourself throughout the week to remind you of the truth contained in the scripture. Here are some options:

I am dearly loved

Today I will walk in the way of love

Feel It:

In this portion of your journal, write out a prayer. The goal is to absorb the meaning of the Bible passage and let it take root in your heart. Ask the Lord to let his word change you by the power of his Spirit so that you begin to feel like the new person you’re becoming in Christ. Surrender any areas of your life that you are trying to control.

Father, thank you for loving me so well. You are the definition of love, and any love I experience in my life is only possible because of you. Help me to accept your heartfelt, irrevocable love for me. I want to believe that you love me this way, but some days, the doubt and insecurities are strong. When I forget, may Your Spirit remind me that before I am anything else, I am first Your dearly loved daughter. May I feel your sweet love in my heart today so that I can walk in the way of love— confident and capable of loving the people around me. Amen.

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