The world has taught us a fragile version of love. A kind of affection that waits for us to earn it. Society’s love is often transactional. It is based on appearance, popularity, and perfection. We see it every day. People are embraced when they perform, applauded when they fit a certain mould, and admired when they achieve what culture deems valuable. But when they fail, they are dropped. When they falter, they are forgotten. When they don’t measure up, love is withdrawn.
This is the kind of love that praises you one moment and cancels you the next. It is the kind that says, “Be impressive, and I will applaud you. Be flawless, and I will keep you. But disappoint me, and I will walk away.”
Thank God His love is nothing like that.
The love of God does not wait for you to get it right. It does not ask you to hide your scars or silence your doubts. His love begins not when we perform but when we come. Not when we’re put together but when we’re falling apart. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). That is the proof. That is the promise.
God’s love is not built on affirmation and applause. It is built on acceptance and transformation.
He says, “Come to me. Come with the pain. Come with the guilt. Come with the questions, the addictions, the shame, and the baggage. I want you as you are. But I love you too much to leave you that way.”
God does not simply accept us, He transforms us.
His love redeems – To redeem is to buy back something that was lost or stolen. His love steps into your darkest places and says, “ This one still belongs to me. ” Where the enemy has claimed territory in your mind or your past, God steps in and reclaims you. You are no longer a prisoner to your mistakes. You are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).
His love restores – To restore is to return something to its original purpose and beauty. It does not mean pretending the damage never happened. It means that even the damage can be part of the story. He makes beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3). What was broken will be made whole again, not just patched up but restored with dignity.
His love revives – To revive is to bring life where there was death, to awaken what has been numb, silent, or asleep. God breathes into dry bones (Ezekiel 37) and speaks to valleys of despair. His love stirs your spirit back to life when everything inside you feels dead. He revives the dream, rekindles
hope, and brings joy in the morning after a long, tear-filled night (Psalm 30:5).
When you know this love, you no longer need to chase people’ s approval. You do not have to perform for worth or wear a mask to be accepted. You are already loved. Not the future version of you. Not the polished you. But the real you.
And in the arms of a God like that, you can finally breathe. You can lay down the pressure to be perfect. You can trust that His love will not run out when you make a mistake. You can allow His love to heal what no one else has seen and empower you to become who you were always meant to be.
This love is not earned. It is received. It is not removed when you fail. It is constant, powerful, and faithful. His banner over you is love (Song of Songs 2:4), and His love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).
So if you are weary from trying to be enough, let this truth set you free. You are already loved. You are already wanted. You are already held.
Now let that love transform you.
With love,
Amanda
