The Perfect Candidate (REFRESH 2018)
I am always, every day, in every scenario, the perfect candidate for God’s love.
“Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.” Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“In a healthy, committed relationship, it’s not 50%-50%. It should be 100%-100%.”
We’ve heard this a hundred times before, and yes, it’s likely true. A healthy, vibrant relationship thrives when each person does their part, giving themselves fully to the other.
But when we talk about our relationship with God, it’s easy to feel like we’re always falling short. He’s constantly giving 100%, but we feel a little closer to 48%. And that gets us wondering, “Do my meager efforts on my best day turn God’s commitment dial down? It would make sense—I’m not always the best investment.” At least that’s the easy reasoning.
However, Song of Solomon 8:6-7 says, “Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.”
God’s love for me burns like a blazing fire. Many waters cannot quench it, not even the waters of my pain, my disappointment, my need, or my behavior. Even when my love for him feels less than fierce, his fierce love for me never changes.
No matter what I’ve done, the idea that I’m not worthy of his love is a lie. God is irrevocably committed to me. He has promised himself to me forever, and he cannot be unfaithful to his word. This verse reminds me that my circumstances do not count me out; they do not exclude me from God’s all-encompassing affection.
I am always, every day, in every scenario, the perfect candidate for God’s love.
He chooses me regardless of my choices. He loves me without conditions. And he invites us all into the adventure of experiencing his passion.
On the days when I feel like I’ve been less than, I remember and say out loud: “God sees me like he sees Jesus—his perfect and spotless child. There is nothing more I need to do to earn his love.”
And as we walk in this truth, we are empowered to share that free gift of God’s love with those around us. It’s in his love that we learn to love—100%.
Prayer
Lord, give me a revelation of your fierce love for me. Show me how you see me today. When I feel like I’ve fallen short, let me always remember that because of Jesus, I am blameless in your sight. Amen.
