You Are Loved

(This is a condensed version of the sermon preached by Michael Larsen on Sep 21, 2025.)

One of the most powerful truths in Scripture is found in 1 John 4:8: “God is love.” Notice it doesn’t say God has love or shows love—it says God is love. Love is the very essence of who He is. And the reason you exist is because God wanted to love you.
From the very beginning, before the universe was formed, God already had you in mind. He made the world so that He could create a family, and He wants you to be part of that family. Your first purpose in life is not to work harder, achieve more, or even to love God—it’s simply to let God love you.
This changes everything. Christianity isn’t about rituals, rules, or religion—it’s about a relationship. God doesn’t want slaves, soldiers, or servants; He wants sons and daughters. He created you to belong to Him, to live in His love, and to walk in a daily relationship with Him.
God’s love is extravagant, unchanging, and unconditional. You can’t earn it, and you can’t lose it. He will never love you more than He does right now, and He will never love you less. His love doesn’t depend on what you’ve done but on who He is.
So what difference does this make in our everyday lives? Here are five practical ways God’s love transforms us:

1. You can feel accepted rather than ashamed.
Many people avoid God because they feel guilty or judged. But Scripture says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). When you realize God accepts you completely, you’re freed from chasing the approval of others.

2. You can be bold in bringing your needs to God.
As His child, you can come confidently to your Heavenly Father. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach God’s throne with confidence, knowing He loves to give good gifts to His children.

3. You can have peace in the midst of pain.
Life will bring hurts and hardships, but God offers a peace that goes beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7). Even when circumstances don’t make sense, His love holds you steady.

4. You can worship instead of worry.
Worry is forgetting that you have a loving Father who is watching over you. Worship is the antidote. When you focus on God’s love, fear fades and faith grows.

5. You gain the courage to take risks.
Knowing you are fully loved gives you the confidence to step out in faith. Even when you stumble, God says, “We’ll start over—and this time, we’ll do it together.”

At the heart of it all, God’s love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). Long before you were born, He chose you, created you, and called you into His family. Your greatest calling is not to achieve or impress—it’s simply to receive His love.
So today, let go of fear and lean into the truth that you are deeply, unconditionally, and eternally loved by God.