I oftentimes preach, “God loves you, and He has a purpose for your life.” Yet whenever I do, it seems that someone in the crowd believes he or she is an exception. Sadly, people with this mindset have bought into Satan’s lie: They think they aren’t important enough to be singled out from among the billions on earth to receive a blessing. Or they listen to the Deceiver when he insists they are too weak, sinful, or scared to merit the Lord’s love.
How do I know that God thinks you are special? Jesus Christ died for you! Because of the Father’s love for us, He sent His Son to the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. We don’t deserve God’s care and protection, but thankfully, deserving isn’t the basis for divine love. God’s very nature is love, which He demonstrated through Christ’s death “while we were still sinners” (1 John 4:8; Rom. 5:8). And what’s more, He gifts us with the talents and attributes needed to carry out His purposes (1 Cor. 12:11).
The Lord loves you. He says so again and again in the Bible. Don’t take my word for it. Read His Word for yourself and see how much He cares.
And that’s the memo.
By Dr. Charles Stanley
