Biblical Answer

How do I experience God's love?

To experience God's love, it's essential to understand that it's not just a feeling, but a choice. Christian love, whether towards God or towards man, is an affair of the will (Romans 5:5). This means that we don't have to wait for feelings to motivate us to love; we can choose to love God and others regardless of how we feel. As John Ortberg puts it, "Ask yourself, If I were sure that I loved God, what would I do?" (168 STAGGERED BY THE MOUNTAIN). This question can help us identify what actions we would take if we truly loved God, and then we can go and do those things.

Another way to experience God's love is through contemplation. We can learn about God's love by reading Scripture, praying, and reflecting on our experiences. As Ortberg notes, "We become more loving by experiencing love, not by hearing about it in a lecture or reading about it in a book" (168 STAGGERED BY THE MOUNTAIN). By immersing ourselves in God's Word and seeking to understand His character, we can develop a deeper appreciation for His love. We can also seek to understand God's love through our relationships with others, including our family, friends, and community.

Ultimately, experiencing God's love is a journey that requires faith and trust. As Ortberg says, "God can be summarized in this: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.... You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:30-31). This command to love is not just a suggestion, but a fundamental aspect of God's character. By choosing to love God and others, we can experience His love in a deeper and more meaningful way. As we seek to understand and experience God's love, we can be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).