“The sin underneath all of our sins is to trust the lie of serpent that we can’t trust the love and grace of Christ and that we must take matters into our own hands.” – Martin Luther
When we believe we have to earn God’s love, we have fallen prey to one of the primary lies of Satan. Dr. Chris Thurman explains the importance of seeking truth in the face of this lie.
“I think this is a lie almost everyone struggles with. To some degree, everybody grows up in a world where love is conditional. I think we have a hard time not projecting that onto God as if He can’t be any different.”
“We think we have to perform for God in order for Him to love us. If I’m not doing very well, if I’m not being very moral, then I can actually lower the love of God. Conversely, if I’m being moral, ethical, and behaving myself then somehow I’m raising the love of God.”
In order to escape the trap of this mindset, Dr. Thurman says it’s important to understand that God’s love is not limited to time.
“God is above space and time. Therefore, while our love for a spouse had a starting point, God’s love had no starting point. He is eternal. He is love. Therefore He didn’t wait until we got here to love us. There is no beginning to His love and there will be no end to His love.”
God’s love does not change dependent on how you are feeling, or behaving on any given day or moment. He is faithful and merciful in His love and affection for us.
Dr. Chris Thurman is a psychologist, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker. A charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, Dr. Thurman worked at the Minirth-Meier Clinic for six years before entering private practice more than twenty-five years ago.
Key Scripture: Ephesians 1:17-19
Featured Songs: The War is Over – Bethel; God, I Look to You – Bethel; This We Know – Passion
Lies we believe about God
