How God’s Love Changes Us

How God’s Love Changes Us 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I can remember wanting to be a garbage collector (riding on the sides of those trucks seemed so cool). I also wanted to be a professional basketball player. (I was terrible but wanted to be great.) There was also a time I wanted to be a professional babysitter (getting paid to put kids to bed seemed awesome); and a teacher (which I ended up becoming). 

We often pose this question to kids, encouraging them that they can be whatever they want to be. But we are more than our jobs and careers. We are more than the things we do. 

Instead of focusing on what you want to be, we can focus on who you want to be. And the answer to that is found in the amazing love of God. 

Be Free 
When we trust and follow Jesus, He changes us to be truly free (Galatians 5:1; John 8:36). This isn’t freedom to do whatever we want, but freedom to live free from sin and fully in who God made us to be (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16). We are no longer slaves to fear, insecurity, uncertainty, or worry. We don’t have to prove our value or worth. The love of God we experience though Jesus frees us to love Him, love others, and love ourselves with assurance that His love is the greatest part of our lives. We are transformed into children of God who are satisfied by His love and presence.  

God loves us and doesn’t desire for any of us to live in bondage to this world or sin. Kids can know that, no matter what their future holds, they can find freedom in God that impacts everything in their lives. 

Be Growing 

When we trust and follow Jesus, He changes us to be people who are always growing (2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 6:1). While our world encourages and celebrates growth for the sake of personal gain, God transforms us into people who desire to grow in Him. We no longer just want to get ahead or make a name for ourselves. Our desires become knowing Him, loving Him, and growing closer to Him. 

God loves us and doesn’t desire for any of us to live for ourselves. Kids can know that, as they get older, each and every day is an opportunity to enjoy God’s love and grow closer to Him. We grow from being selfish to selfless as we live in His love. 

Be Christlike 
When we trust and follow Jesus, He changes us to be people who live like Him (Romans 8:29; 1 John 2:6). When the world says to live the way you want to live, God calls us to live like Jesus. Jesus desired God’s will to be done. Jesus loved others and sacrificed for their good. Jesus was kind, caring, and compassionate. Jesus lived His life for the Father, not for Himself. God’s love changes our desires to be more like those of Jesus, thus changing the way we live. 

God loves us and doesn’t want us to simply live for ourselves. Kids can know that God’s love encourages and strengthens them to live like Jesus. It won’t always be easy, and it won’t always be popular, but it will always be worth it. 

God’s love has the power the change everything about who we are. “See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are!” (1 John 3:1a)