Did Jesus Really Die for Me?
Learning to Believe in the Personal Love of God
I must admit that there were times when I wondered about God’s love for me. While I knew by faith that He died for us all, did He also die for me?
My question seems illogical, but that’s the one that sometimes whispers somewhere in my heart. Because it could be possible that Jesus only wanted to save humanity in general, and I just happened to be a part of it. It’s as though it were mere chance that I got to be saved, too.
But deep within me, too, another voice speaks. This voice says that I must not listen to my doubts because Jesus’ love is not at all like that. Love is not like that.
When we speak about love, we speak about something personal. If it’s not personal, how could it be love? So when we speak about God loving us, we should think about God loving each and everyone of us for the unique person that we are.
God loves me. And God loves you. He loves each of us differently, but He loves each person to the very full. His love for another person does not take away anything from His love for you or for me.
When He died at the cross, He died for me, too. He died for me not just as a matter of coincidence but as a matter of will for someone He specifically and truly loves.
When I receive the Holy Eucharist, isn’t it true that I receive a particular host that is meant specifically for me? Jesus comes to me in fullness. He comes to me as a Person and recognizes me as a person He truly cares for, died for and continues to save so that I may be with Him one day in heaven. To meet Him not just as a part of the crowd, but to meet Him as He is and as I shall be.
Lord, increase my faith and help me love you so that I may one day see you in heaven face to face!
“What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” - Matthew 18:12, 14 (NABRE)
“Lift up your eyes on high and see:
Who created these?
He who brings out their host and numbers them,
calling them all by name;
because he is great in strength,
mighty in power,
not one is missing.”
- Isaiah 40:26 (NRSVCE)
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Are You Curious About the New Name God Will Give You In Heaven?
It is said that when we get to heaven, God will give us a new name, a name that no one will know except the one who receives it.
I often think of how The Lord tailored for His chosen people the taste of their daily bread, the manna, for each one. How much more has His Heart not planned from all eternity this one common union I am receiving today?!