Do you really believe that God loves you?

At times we think that our sin keeps us from God’s love or that God withholds his favor from us because we have disappointed him. One of the greatest mysteries revealed in the season of Advent is found in the words, “God is love.” Love is an overused or misused word that conveys to some the idea of romantic feelings or deep affection. Feelings come and go, and affections can change over time, but love is a daily, even momentary choice we make, a choice motivated by one overarching reality: we love because God first loved us (1Jn.4:19).

When we think about love in this realm, we believe that everyone deserves to be loved. It seems ungodly to think that love could be cruel, unfair, or even painful. In this realm of ridicule, resentment, and rejection, this is the understanding of love many people know.

Sadly, human understanding of God’s love is flawed. To think that the basis of love is a ‘happily ever after' ending is to miss the meaning of love itself. Joseph obeyed God, taking Mary to be his wife even though her pregnancy made her unlovable and unworthy of his love. In so doing, Joseph demonstrates love’s true nature.

God’s love is complete love. His love is not conditioned by expected behavior. God loves sinners! God's love is not consumed by fear. God’s perfect love casts out every fear! God's love is not confused by unforeseen circumstances. God's love never leaves.

We are loved not because of what we do or don’t do, but because of Jesus. We are not loved because of our achievements or self-worth, but because of the worth of Christ and what he achieved on our behalf. Our acceptance is not on the basis of being blameless or without shame, but because the love of God in Jesus covers

all our sin.

Joseph loved Mary unashamedly. In spite of the risks, Joseph loved Mary because God first loved Joseph. The God who is with us makes this kind of love possible in us and through us. Praise God, nothing can separate us from the love of God

in Christ Jesus!