There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:18-19

 

Developing a belief in God—in Jesus—can be difficult at first. Believing in Someone whose reality you cannot fathom is hard. Yet you have a need, a longing. You search. But so far, you’re stuck.

It’s hard to let go of unbelief.

For many the important thing that’s needed before clear acceptance and belief in God can take place is the knowledge of his love. He had this love for us before we were even born. For most, the knowledge of such love will be hard to conjure up.

It is said that God is love. His very character is love. If you’re going to know God it helps to become familiar with this love. This is where it all starts.

When you are seeking God’s love, eliminate from your mind all other loves you may have experienced. God’s love is different. It’s greater than anything you’ve ever known before.

But you will need to try releasing any fear you may have—any urge to withhold yourself.  As the Scripture above says, there’s no need to fear. Jesus did, after all, die on the cross for us to give us freedom from sins. He did this out of love for us. What greater love could there be! This, too, you will come to understand and believe.

In a quiet place, invite Jesus and his love to fill your being. Remember. He gave you freedom—a freedom that will make you his.  A freedom to live with this love inside you, ready to share with others. God’s love is most alive when it doesn’t stay inside you but is passed along to others. The giving and receiving need to work together.

This prayer made a big difference in my life when I was becoming a Christian. You may find it so as well.

I believe this is one of the best ways to begin a journey with Jesus. With the love he pours into you, you will have a head-start in becoming his follower.

Before long, you’ll learn the rest of Christ’s story. The story that you will now believe with ease because you’ve experienced him. As you get to know him, you’ll learn where all that love he put inside you came from.

And you’ll know you won’t be able to resist following him.

marja