Loyal Love

Fear has a way of creeping into our relationships.

It causes us to question people's intentions, to doubt their loyalty, and to push others away to protect ourselves from getting hurt. It makes us unwilling to address conflict. It causes us to react to the tiniest slight or hint of rejection. It evokes anger when someone tries to take what we desperately try to protect. It keeps us from being real or honest with people. It causes us to cling to bitterness when we are deeply hurt.

If we're honest, fear keeps us from loving others.

I too have some very difficult past experiences of betrayal and rejection that still try to impact the way I view myself and others. It takes God's ongoing work of grace in my heart to keep me from living out of fear. So what truth enables me to move past my own fears and love other people more than I long to protect myself from hurt?

I must remember: I can only love others when I rest in the loyal love of God.

God's love for His children is utterly loyal. It is not based on our performance. When we doubt Him or get angry at Him, He doesn't turn away from us. He doesn't give up on us when we sin. He doesn't treat us the way we so often treat others. He pursues us relentlessly. Even when we are unfaithful, He remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13).

More faithful than the rising sun
This grace for me I can't outrun
Your love is, Your love is
Your love is loyal
You are always there for me
You listen every time I speak
You look into my eyes
See the things I hide
And say that You will never leave
Your promises I can not break
And I know You will never change
-Loyal, Lauren Daigle

This is the One who never fails us. The only perfect, unchanging, loyal friend. Only when we rest in His love can we live without fear. We can find solid ground, because even when other people hurt or fail us, it is not the end of life. No betrayal or rejection (however ugly) can completely defeat us. No matter how badly we are hurt, we have One who will never fail. This love will not let go. What security that brings!

Rest in God's loyal love to you today.

 "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." 

2 Thessalonians 3:5