It’s one thing to know about God: that He exists, that He is powerful, that He is holy, and even that He is love. Fine.
But what does it mean to know God? That is, to know Him for yourself? As Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). And, to know God would be to know the reality of His love. For “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
How do we come to know God and His love?
First, you have to accept His forgiveness, accept His grace for salvation, no matter how unworthy you feel. You are unworthy. That’s why Jesus died for you. If worthy enough, you wouldn’t need a Savior. Accept His forgiveness and you will experience the realty of His love.
Second, obey Him. It’s the kind of thing that you can experience only for yourself. Obeying draws you closer to God, and the closer you get the more you know His love.
Third, be thankful to God. Whatever your problems, you have things to be thankful for—so be thankful for them, and let God know that you are thankful for them.
Fourth, minister to others. Selfless service, without the hope of getting anything in return, is what God’s love is all about, and by reflecting that love in your own life you will know, even better, God’s love.
Fifth, nature. Even with the ravages of sin, nature still speaks, even powerfully, not just of God’s power but of His love. Luxuriate in the love of God, as revealed in the natural world, and you will experience His love.
Accept the gospel; obey; be thankful; minster to others; and revel in nature. Do this, and you will come to know, for yourself, the reality of God’s love.
