And [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ... that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]. Ephesians 3:19 (AMP)
Love can only be experienced when it is believed. This is true of every kind of love—whether it's from God, your spouse or your children.
For example, if a husband is absolutely in love with his wife, but she doesn't believe it, she'll hold him at arm's length. He may bend over backward to demonstrate his love, but she'll always wonder if he has ulterior motives.
If someone is sending a message of love to you, at least one of your five senses needs to be functioning in order to receive it. When someone says, "I love you," you need your sense of hearing. If they write you a note, you need your sight to read it.
The way God speaks His love to us is through His Word—and it's directed at your heart, not your mind. You may know on an intellectual level that God loves you. But until your heart believes it, you will continue to rely on sources of counterfeit love.
On the other hand, the more your heart experiences God's perfect, unconditional love, the more you'll be able to give and receive love in healthy relationships with others.
Let this sink into your heart: God has bestowed infinite worth on you. He loved you before you were born and never withdraws His love, no matter what you do. Let this love anchor your heart, and watch as it transforms your relationships with a sense of stability and wholeness.
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