Tim Isbell, 2/10/2026
Our love for God grows not by trying harder, but by letting His love reach us more deeply. The scripture says so;
1 John 4:10, 19 — “We love because he first loved us.” Our love for God is responsive, not self-generated. The initiative is always God’s.
John 15:9 — “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” Jesus doesn’t say, “Work harder to love Me.” He says, “Remain. Stay. Live inside My love.” “Abide” is a posture of receiving, not striving.
Ephesians 3:17–19 — Paul prays that believers would grasp God’s love. Paul’s great pastoral insight is that spiritual strength comes not from trying harder but from becoming rooted in God’s love. Notice: the transformation flows from receiving, not performing.
Matthew 11:28–30 — “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” This is Jesus saying, “Stop trying to earn what I freely give.”