Dear doubting heart…

Have you felt ever that you’ve sinned too much for God to love you? 

Perhaps your heart feels insecure and ashamed. I’m a Christian, I serve God in church, but why am I still falling to temptation like this?

Or perhaps you don’t get what it means, really means, to have a close-knit, loving relationship with a father or a friend. What does it mean that God is my heavenly Father if my earthly father is so harsh and distant?

God shows He loves you

No matter where we’re at, we can cling to God’s love through meditating on God’s actions for us.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)

God loved you so much that gave His only begotten Son to die for you (John 3:16). He loved you not after you had impressed Him with glowing obedience, but while you were still weak, a powerless sinner falling to the same darkness again.

Jesus’ love through our doctrines

Jesus washed your feet too. He was willing to touch and clean even the dirtiest part of you.

Because you’re baptised into His blood, today when you repent, He cleanses even the filthiest sins you cringe to think about (1 John 1:9). Hanging on the cross, He already knew the ways you’d fall. He loved you at your worst.

Knowing how you cannot save yourself, He offers you the gift of righteousness (Rom 5:17). Knowing how easily you return to sin, the Holy Spirit makes His home in you, strengthening you in the fight against your sinful nature. Every day, God is on your side. 

Knowing how your heart can lie to you, the Holy Spirit pours God’s love right into your heart (Rom 5:5). Not trickles, not drips. Pours. 

A prayer for the doubting heart

Our God is rich in mercy. He knows you want to cling to His love. You can pray: 

Lord, I want to experience Your love.

Lord, I want to know You.

Lord, pour out Your love into my heart. Keep me close to You.

God loved you then. Today, He loves you still. 

Follow up: Mutual Footwashing Activity

Gather with your family or church brethren in Jesus’ name. Together, read John 13, the Bible’s recording of Jesus washing His disciples feet. Pay special attention to John 13:1’s mention of Jesus’ deep love: the context of His actions.

Prepare basins of water, towels, and chairs. Take turns to wash each others’ feet, where one person remains seated on the chair. You may wish to play some hymns in the background.

Afterwards, reflect on the following questions:

• How did it feel to wash someone’s feet? 

• How has washing someone’s feet helped you understand Jesus’ love for you?

• How has washing someone’s feet helped you understand how to serve and love each other? (hint: to have humility, love, accept each other)

For a deeper analysis of this chapter, read our Bible study guide (part 1 and part 2).