Loved

I just want to be loved. There are so many ways that phrase can be taken. A parent may read it and make a mental note to tell their kids they are proud of them. A boyfriend may see it and think it's time for more roses and a date. A friend may hear it and share a word of encouragement to boost struggling spirits. A stranger may respond with crude comments and the idea of a one-night-stand. Another friend may hear it and, although wanting to be supportive, feel like yelling, "Get over yourself, stop wallowing and move on. I'm tired of hearing the same thing over and over (at least I would want to say that to me if I were my friend)!"

I just want to be loved. Even with the understanding of your parent's support, a boyfriend's gifts, and a friend's encouragement (we can do without the crude stranger and another friend's lack of grace... or even if you've experienced those comments...), there is a depressing emptiness left deep down inside us.

I just want to be loved. I was reading in Isaiah about God's frustration with His chosen people. They were going through the motions and outwardly following His instructions, but their hearts were not right with Him. It would seem that He would just let them waste away in destruction, but He can't do that, because His love for them is too great. Yes, He does say He will "thoroughly purge away" their "dross" (impurities), but He gives them an option for salvation. "'Come now, let us reason together', says the LORD, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword (Isaiah 1:18-20).'" "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)." There is a love that pushes out the depressing emptiness, though it does not come through tangible people or things.

I AM loved, unjustly though it may be. By unjustly I mean, I have been shown grace, receiving what I do not deserve, and mercy, deserving what I do not receive - the true punishment of my sins, death. YOU are also loved; undeserving but with no where else to run loved.

P.S. Whatever He does, whatever happens in life, it is always for our good and His glory. Don't compare the solidness of God's love against any human being's (no matter how saintly they may seem), because humans will always fail... somewhere along the line. That's why God gave us grace.