Never Runs Out

"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
1 John 4:8 (ESV)

What happens when the love you've been trying to give someone finally runs out?

Maybe a spouse let you down more times than you can count. Maybe a parent was never there, or a friend's betrayal still stings years later. Or maybe you're the one running dry, wondering how you'll face your kids tomorrow with any patience left, or find warmth for a marriage that's worn you thin. 

Human love runs out, even for the best of us.

But God's love doesn't work that way. "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8, ESV) John doesn't say God produces love. He says God is love. 

Jon repeats those three words twice in one chapter because of the weight they carry, because it changes what His love means for you. God’s love isn't tied to your personality, your performance, or which side of the bed you woke up on. 

You cannot make Him love you more by trying harder, and you cannot make Him love you less by failing again. God loves you not because of who you are but because of who He is. 

What does that mean? You will never hear God say, “I don't love you anymore.” In fact, God said in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3, ESV)

That word “everlasting” means “eternal.” Before you were born, God loved you. While you live, God loves you. And after you die, God will still love you.

Your love was always going to run out. His never started running.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your everlasting love. Thank You that Your love for me was never based on what I bring to the table. Teach me to draw from You instead of from myself when I have nothing left to give. In Jesus' name, Amen.