Love can be a tricky word these days...

it's discarded as quickly as it's proclaimed in many cases.

This has made love a fearful thing in many ways, which is the opposite of what perfect love is.

As humans we will always fall short in offering and receiving perfect love, but at least we need to know what we are aiming for.

I realized in the past few years that in many ways I received love and responded to God a lot like I did with the people in my life.

 In some cases that was a positive...

but, mostly not.

I'm still learning, that it's only when I am in His perfect love that I can truly love myself and extend that love to others.  I used to think that it was selfish to love myself.  I've learned there's a reason why he said

"Love your neighbor, as yourself."

So here's the challenge for today...

Take a good look at your relationship with God.

Is your heart open to receive his perfect love or do you keep the relationship at arms length, protecting your heart from getting hurt?

Take some time to read and think about his love for you.  I know this will take courage for some of you. Your heart has been wounded by people who were supposed to love and care for you. But I promise you it is so worth it!

When you live in perfect love there is no place for fear,

which will affect every aspect of your life...

every relationship...

every decision...

I'm not going to tell you that in his perfect love everything in your life will be perfect.

But I will tell you that his love towards you is always perfect, and even when you don't understand...

you can trust his perfect love for YOU.

love,

Susan xoxo