God's love is like an ocean. You can see its beginning, but not its end.— Rick Warren
God loves you. He wants you to succeed. He wants the best for you.
Today, as we conclude this collective fasting journey, remember that this is not an end but a transition into a deeper, personal pursuit of God. The life of John, the beloved of the Lord, offers us a powerful lens through which we can understand the Father’s love and the transformative effect it has on our identity.
Though all the disciples knew Jesus loved them, John allowed this truth to shape his life, writings, and faith. Why didn’t the others do the same? Perhaps there was a reluctance to embrace such a personal declaration, or they deemed it unnecessary. Yet John boldly called himself the “disciple whom Jesus loved,” not out of arrogance but from a revelation that God’s love was personal, undeniable, and foundational to his identity.
The love of the Father surpasses any earthly experience of love. While human relationships can be fragile and conditional, God's love is constant and unchanging. John's writings reflect this profound understanding. His Gospel and letters are filled with insights into God's love, setting him apart as someone who fully embraced being loved by God.
Take a moment to grasp this truth for yourself: You are dearly loved.
Say it aloud. Let it resonate in your heart. God's declaration of love for you is not based on achievements or status. Consider Jesus’ baptism when the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
At that point, Jesus hadn’t performed a single miracle or preached a single sermon. Yet, the declaration of love and acceptance was absolute.
Similarly, many of us strive to earn love and acceptance through performance or by meeting others’ expectations. But God’s love for you is not something to be earned—it is freely given. His love is proven by the sacrifice of His Son.
Some of us struggle to accept this love due to wounds from strained relationships—with fathers, mothers, spouses, or siblings. These wounds can distort our understanding of love and make us feel unworthy. Like Peter, who wrestled with guilt over denying Jesus, you may feel judged by your mistakes or defined by your failures. But know this: Your weaknesses and failures do not define you.
You are an amazing man—son, friend, father, brother, worshiper, priest, prophet. You are accepted, loved, and chosen by God. Like John, let the Father’s love become your identity. Live with that assurance and share it boldly with the world.
Never forget: You are an amazing man.