Lavishly LOVED.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are. . .” (1 John 3:1).

Tiny little fingers. Teeny tiny toes. Itty bitty lips. The sweetest button-nose.

As I held my newborn niece for the first time in April 2023, my heart throbbed with endearment. I prayed over her small frame and big future, and asked God to help her to truly know and love Him someday.

I watched how my sister tenderly cared for her new bundle of joy, and I saw how my brother-in-law’s eyes sparkled whenever his seven-pound daughter peacefully slept in his arms.

What a beautiful picture of our Heavenly Father’s love for us.

Think back to a time you may have held a baby in your arms (pets count, too, of course). You may recall the overwhelming adoration you felt. This is only a glimpse of the Father’s heart for you.

God knitted you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-14). He carefully crafted the freckles on your skin, the shape of your smile, and the sound of your laughter. How deeply loved you are.

Just as a newborn baby relies on others, you and I rely on our Heavenly Father. He alone keeps the world spinning, provides the air we breathe, and meets our daily needs. We also depend on Him for our salvation.

As Romans 5:6 says, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” The Father’s only Son, Jesus, was born, frail and small, into our broken world to be the sacrifice for our sins so that we could have a restored relationship with God (John 3:16). What amazing love!

What have we done to deserve this kind of love? Nothing. Absolutely nothing (Romans 5:7-8; Ephesians 2:8-9). And that’s the extravagant beauty of it, friend. Just as GEMS girls learn in GEMS Club, we are truly LOVED. Period. What a powerful Truth to reflect upon on Valentine’s Day, and every day.

The Father lavishly —excessively, abundantly, richly, elaborately— loves us, and it isn’t because of anything we’ve done, but because of who He is. God is love (1 John 4:7-8).

Through faith in Jesus’ finished work, we can be called the children of God. As 1 John 3:1 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! . . .”

So, as we approach Valentine’s Day, remember where lavish love is truly found—not in love letters, a box of chocolates, or a bouquet of roses. Lavish love is found in Jesus.

So, may we love one another as God has so lavishly loved us (John 13:34-35), and may we make it our life’s mission to show and tell everyone we meet that they are also LOVED. Period.

Pause & Reflect: 

  1. Write out the words of John 3:16 on a piece of paper. As you do, think of the depth behind each word, and be reminded of the incredible love that God has for you. Then, respond in prayer with heartfelt gratitude.
  2. Slowly read 1 Corinthians 13, and ask God to convict you where you may be neglecting to show biblical love to others. Ask God to help you love others as His Word describes. 
  3. Look for ways to live on mission, especially on Valentine’s Day, to show and tell of God’s amazing love to friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers. 

Friend, will you join me in prayer today?

Dear God, 

Thank You for Your incredible love which You lavished on us in the sending of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for Your willingness to adopt us as Your sons and daughters through faith in Jesus’ finished work. We rest in Your love for us—it doesn’t depend on anything we have done or anything about who we are. May others come to know You as the result of how we show and tell of Your amazing love in our attitudes, actions, and words. We love You! In Jesus’ name, amen.