When life isn't going the way we would like, sometimes we wonder, "Does God care? Does he love me?"
Many times we equate God's love in our lives to specific blessings. I definitely catch myself thinking that if God really loved me he would bless me with (blank).
This is a mistake.
But how then does God show his love? What does he actually say?
Here are four ways you can be absolutely sure that God does love you:
1. He gave you Jesus
We know God loves us because he sent Jesus Christ to the Earth.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." - 1 John 4:9
The life of Jesus gives us hope. Because of him we can overcome sins and have eternal life. God wants you to know you are loved. You can more fully feel his love as you learn more about the life of Jesus.
2. He gives the Holy Spirit
God sends us feelings of love.
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." - Romans 5:5
Do you ever just feel good and peaceful and calm? Often this is the spirit of God whispering to your soul that you are loved. Through good days and bad days, God sends feelings of love to your heart. He wants you to know he cares.
3. He blesses you with hope
"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace," - 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Hope is a profound concept, and I'm amazed at its power. Even when tragedy or disappointment strikes, God endows us with hope - the desire to not give up, the motivation to be better, and the ability to keep trying.
He blesses us with "everlasting consolation" that things will work out. You can't produce hope on your own; it's a gift from God and a sure sign that he does love you.
4. He allows trials
Yep. If your life is full of hardship and adversity, be glad - God loves you!
"For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." - Proverbs 3:12
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." - Revelation 3:19
God allows us to experience difficulties and trials. He wants us to grow and become better; this is why he permits hard things to happen. Adversity provides the opportunity for you to become the person God wants you to be. Strive to accept hardship as God's refining hand, and remember that God corrects those he loves.
Throughout the Bible, God never equates material blessings, achievements, or social status with his love. He never says that those with ideal families, dream jobs, or healthy bodies are more loved than others.
You can feel God's love through Jesus Christ, feelings of the Holy Ghost, hope, and divine chastening. God does love you.
