496-Abiding in God’s Love by Living a Life of Surrender

Abiding in God’s Love by Living a Life of Surrender (Formerly Titled: Real Love Takes Sacrifice)

We know the Bible says “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and that He loved us first. But if we’re honest, many of us spend more time wondering, “Does God really love me?” than asking the deeper, more revealing question: “Do I truly love Him?”

That’s the heart of today’s message. God’s love for you is unshakable, unchanging, and eternal. The real question is whether your love for Him is genuine—and if it’s showing up in your life the way true love always does: through sacrifice.

When You Don’t Feel God’s Love

Maybe you’ve been a Christian for years but can’t remember the last time you felt God’s love. You’ve read the verses. You’ve prayed the prayers. But it’s like you’re in a spiritual drought.

The truth? Feelings aren’t the measure of His love. But there’s often a missing link when we feel disconnected from God—and it’s not that He’s holding back. It’s that our love for Him hasn’t moved from words to action.

Abiding in God’s Love Requires Sacrifice

Jesus said plainly, “If you love Me, keep My commands” (John 14:15). Love isn’t just warm feelings or goosebumps in worship—it’s obedience. And obedience requires sacrifice.

That sacrifice may look like:

• Giving up your comfort

• Laying down your need for control

• Surrendering your demand to understand everything before trusting

• Releasing opinions that don’t align with His Word

It’s the same principle in marriage—love grows deeper when it’s willing to lay self aside for the other’s good. Our relationship with Jesus is no different.

The Pearl of Great Price and God’s Love

In Matthew 13:45–46, Jesus tells of a merchant who sold all he had to buy one pearl of great value. That’s what loving God looks like—letting go of everything else so you can fully hold onto Him.

You don’t get the pearl without selling all. You don’t experience the fullness of God’s love without the surrender that real love demands.

Beyond the Honeymoon: Abiding in God’s Love Daily

Some of us have had that powerful, early experience with God—a “honeymoon” season where His presence felt constant and overwhelming. But just like in marriage, the relationship matures. The emotions may not always be intense, but the love grows deeper as it’s proven through daily, intentional sacrifice.

Surrender: The Path to Experiencing God’s Love

If you want a fresh revelation of God’s love, start here:

1. Ask Him to show you where He’s calling you to surrender.

2. Choose obedience in that area—even when it costs you.