My friend emailed the story of the birthday party for her Mom. You know, one of those BIG ones when all the relatives come together.

She was thrilled, and she was hurt (my friend, not her Mom).

Her Mom overwhelmed with honor by the family and friends was oblivious to other relationships not quite as congenial.

My friend so wanted to offer love, to include, to enjoy — but it wasn’t to be.

Last month I too traveled to a big family gathering, not a birthday party but a funeral, celebrating a life in a different way.

I too found myself tripping over love. Not love I was offering, but the love I wanted to receive eluded me.

In the midst of busy and emotional, I neglected God’s love for me. And in the neglect I was unable to receive love, the love I craved, love that was there all the time … I just didn’t see it. The lack of receiving God’s love shackled me from receiving the love of others and of giving love.

Three lessons I’m learning about receiving God’s Love

Hearing and Accepting – Each Sunday in church several opportunities come to the congregation to receive the love of God. After our prayer of confession and the benediction at the end of the service both offer God’s love. Many stand with palms upraised communicating, yes, I receive this gift.

My devotional time starts with reviewing scriptures that speak God’s love. I read them, pray over them asking what it would look like to trust (receive) them today. One of my favorites …

“I am my beloved’s, and His desire is for me.” Song of Solomon 7:10

In public or private hearing and accepting God’s love is the first step. Once accepted, then experienced.

Experiencing God’s Love – My Dad was not good at receiving love. On his birthday or at Christmas when gift giving is common, his always response was oh you shouldn’t have. His experience of love stunted because receiving was so hard.

When God’s love is received, other responses become natural. Reminding myself of God’s love last month, two new reactions emerged: thankfulness and affirmation.

Once experienced then given.

Giving God’s Love – When I became aware of being the focus of God’s love, giving His love became easier. I saw ways to serve, opportunities to affirm, thankfulness happened, smiles and hugs were spontaneous, love words flowed.

But the best part of hearing, receiving, and giving was the peace in my heart. Living who God created me to be, His beloved child, freed me from needing the love of others.

The first verse I ever memorized was John 1:12. I got part of it back then; I’m understanding more now.

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (italics mine)

” … Make yourselves at home in my love.” John 15:9, The Message

What are your favorite love of God scriptures? How do you experience the truth of these verses?