Worthy of Love

“We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First, we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” 1 John 4:19 MSG

According to an article by Wisdom Begun, “the word worthy comes from the Old English weorþ, meaning “having value or honor.” In the Bible, worthiness is not about personal merit but about being made acceptable and valued by God.”

Actor James Van Der Beek, on his birthday, gave what would be one of his last messages of reflection. He spoke about how he defined himself – first as an actor, a husband, a father and a caretaker. His battle with cancer stripped him of all the definitions he created simply to be worthy of love because He existed.

Romantic love seems to have taken this world by storm with much emphasis placed on one’s relationship status. Many walk around feeling unworthy and unloved because they may be single or childless. The most lonely and unworthy of all are those in relationships who still feel unseen and unfulfilled. Yet love is all around us. Every facet of our being is woven in love because our Creator is love and we are created in His image. Love isn’t a status. Love is God; God is love. 

It took me a long time to accept that I was loved by God and what that looked like. Love was wound up in grace and mercy and compassion. It wasn’t reliant on anything I did or could ever do. It was not meant to be a tight rope even though the path we walk is narrow. When David exclaimed in Psalms 23:6 that ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...” He was speaking about the effects of God’s love. 1 Chronicles 16:34 reminds us, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love and His kindness go on forever.”

The Prodigal Son felt he was unworthy when he reflected on how deep he had fallen. In verse 21 of Luke 15, he says, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” How many of us feel this way at times, when introspection and self-awareness prick our conscience. I love that Jesus reminds us that we are worthy of love no matter what.

“The question is not “How am I to find God? But how am I to be found by Him? The question is not ‘How am I to know God?’ but “How am I to be known by God?” And finally, the question is not ‘How am I to love God?’ but “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.” - Henri JM Nouwen

 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6,7

When the pressures of this life strip you bare, I hope you remember that You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are chosen. You are worthy of love. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for being love. I’m worthy of love, because You are love and created me in Your image. My worth is not wound up in another but in You. Help me to always remember this fact and to exude this love in my interactions with others. In Jesus name, Amen.

“Measure not God’s love and favour by your own feeling. The sun shines as clearly in the darkest day as it does in the brightest. The difference is not in the sun, but in some clouds which hinder the manifestation of the light thereof.” Richard Sibbes

“You are not a mistake. You are not a problem. You are a child of God, worthy of His love.” – Barbara Curtis

“God doesn’t love us because of our worth, we are of worth because God loves us.” – Martin Luther

“What marvellous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who He is or what He’s up to.” 1 John 3:1, MSG

“I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist.” - James Van Der Beek

Be blessed to be a blessing.