I know for a fact that this is a question with which many struggle. They may believe that they have made so many mistakes, or been so willingly rebellious that God has given up on them, is mad at them or both. Or, they may simply ask themselves the question, “Does God really love ME?” Let’s look at God’s own word, the Bible, to find the answers to these questions.

            A good place to start is John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The word for “loved” is agapao, which means to “love much”. God always approaches mankind from a loving standpoint.

            Another great scripture is Romans 5:8, which tells us that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Please don’t miss this! Even before we cared about God, or what he desires, his love for us had already been established. He loved us while we were, technically, his enemies!

            The Psalms are always a wonderful source of encouragement, and they also tell us about the love of God. Chapter 86, verse 15 says that God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

            Have you been disappointed or disillusioned by life? Has your heart been broken in your search for love and acceptance? Do you feel that you have nothing to offer God? I have good news for you! According to Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This means that anyone who comes to the Lord for forgiveness and salvation will be well-met by him. God is NOT angry with you, and hasn’t given up on you. You can still ask forgiveness for your sin, surrender your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and enjoy the knowledge of heaven in your future, and God’s plan for you right now! Any Bible-believing church in your are would be happy to help you! Seek them out, for worship and encouragement!

Mark Nickles is a husband, father of three, and a pastor in Northeastern Oklahoma. Copyright, Mark A. Nickles.