Just because He loves you.

Two plus two always equals four, we know the formula.

More studying equals better grades.

More work equals more money.

More intentional time equals better relationships.

More reading equals more knowledge.

More running equals better fitness.

The equation does not hold true in the more we accomplish for Christ. More studying, more prayer, more work with my hands does not equal more grace or more love. The formula does not hold weight in this area.

God’s Kingdom is often referred to as the upside-down kingdom because it does not follow many laws of logic and reason. A well-known NYC pastor, Timothy Keller says “He loves you just because He loves you.” Preachers often speak from the stage about how it doesn’t matter what unfathomable sin has existed in my life, Christ still loves me. But many times, we don't talk about the fact that it doesn’t matter what good things I accomplish, God will not love me more. He already loves me to the maximum possibility.

It is so freeing to sit in the truth that Christ loves me simply because He chooses to. The Bible says that He chose to demonstrate His love for us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). Before I declared my love for Him, He already sacrificed His son for me. Out of the love demonstrated on the cross should flow grace for others, good deeds and a desire for a deeper relationship with Jesus. But once I have sat in the deep truth that He loves me just because He chooses, the expectation I have placed on myself to perform can be lifted.

As our feet hit the floor today let us remind ourselves that God loves us before we accomplish one thing. Before we read our Bible, pray, or encourage a friend, lets remind ourselves that God will not love us more whether we choose to do those tasks or not, but as an outpouring of love for Him, we have the opportunity to engage with Him. Then, every task can become worship to the One who chooses to love us.

"But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

Titus 3:4-5