Love Crisis in Church—Should We Go Back to Sunday School?
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16, KJV)
A common theme in Sunday School for children is “Jesus loves me.” This message is included in lessons because it’s vital for kids to understand that Jesus loves them. However, we adults seem to struggle more with accepting Jesus’ love than children do. In fact, we might need more reminders of “Jesus loves me” than the kids do.
I’ve often been surprised to find my heart not fully accepting Christ’s love, especially in challenging situations, and I see this same struggle in many believers I minister to. We believe Jesus loved us enough to die for us—His past love is undeniable. But when it comes to feeling that love today, we often have doubts. Paul addresses this in Romans 8:32, just before asking, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” in verse 35. He says,
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, KJV)
God showed His love by giving, like any good father. He gave Jesus, and He still loves us today, willing to provide all we need. God continues to show His love by providing for us, protecting us, healing us, and delivering us from bondage, etc. Jesus even cared about the guests at a wedding by providing wine when it ran out!
To gauge how much you believe the Lord loves you today, consider how much you believe He is willing to freely give you all things. In Matthew 8:2, a man with leprosy came to Jesus and said, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” He knew Jesus had the power to heal him but wasn’t sure Jesus was willing to do so.
This reflects the adult thinking that troubles many hearts today. Some have theological reasons for believing God withholds His goodness, while others are so focused on their own weaknesses and failures that they can’t receive Christ’s love like a child. But Jesus tells us,
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, KJV)
The Lord wants us to know and believe His love for us. God’s love isn’t just for Sunday School; it’s for all believers. I believe our generation faces a love and grace crisis: we may have become too sophisticated in our christian routines and moved away from the core of our faith—knowing and believing the love of Christ.
As a child naturally knows and believes in the love of their father, we must be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. Let us resist the temptation to let adult thinking, theology, or traditions separate us from the love of Christ.
Meditate
What are the two crucial things needed to anchor us in the love of Christ according to 1 John 4:16?
Apply the Word
Think about Christ’s love for you throughout the day. Each time you remember, say, “Thank You, Lord, for loving me.” Resist the temptation to dwell on reasons why God might withhold His love, whether it be in provision, protection, deliverance, or healing.
Pray
Ask the Lord to help you receive His love today just as you did at the moment of your salvation.
Recommended Read
- We Have Known and Believed the Love of God
- God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
- His banner over me was love
- Knowing the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge
- View all Deshen Daily Devotionals
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