Jesus Knows My Love

Scripture Focus
“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” – John 21:17

Reflection
So often I find myself in the place Peter was when he tried to explain his love for Jesus. The more Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?” the more Peter seemed lost for words. I feel that too—sometimes words fail me when I try to express the depth of love I carry for Christ.

I’ve caught myself trying so hard to convince both myself and Jesus that my love is real, only to realize it is futile. But then, like Peter, I rest in the truth: Jesus knows all things. He already knows my heart.

It’s almost funny—how much I try to prove through words, actions, or effort that I love Him, when in reality, simply knowing Him is enough to anchor my faith in Him. And that raises a question in me: Why do I feel the need to show Jesus that I love Him? Could it be that, deep down, I sometimes think I must love Him enough so that He will keep loving me?

But I know the truth: His love for me is unconditional. There is nothing I can do to make Him love me more, and nothing I can fail to do that will make Him love me less. His love is steadfast, secure, and unchanging.

What a blessing it is to bask in the love of God! In His love, our works become effortless. In His love, our service becomes desirable, not burdensome. In His love, we can smile at the storm with confidence, knowing that He is with us, that He has our backs, and that His love never fails.

It is the greatest assurance—that Jesus not only hears my words but already knows my desires, my longings, and my devotion toward Him. And perhaps that’s the encouragement my brethren need too: to remember that He knows. Even when words fail, even when actions stumble, His love remains.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for knowing me completely. Thank You that I don’t have to prove my love for You to earn Yours. Teach me to rest in Your unchanging love and let my life, not just my words, reflect my devotion. May I live in confidence, not striving, knowing that You hold me in perfect love. In Your name, Amen.

Living Without Judgment

Scripture Focus

• “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1
  
• “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” – Mark 10:45
  
• “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

Reflection

“Do not judge…” These words pierce me, because I know how easy it is for me to slip into judgment without realizing it. When I become judgmental, I stop enjoying the people around me. Instead of being fully present, I’m lost in my own head—building conversations, creating an atmosphere that isn’t even real. And the sad part? I start searching for proof that my thoughts are true, missing the beauty of what’s actually happening in the moment.

But Jesus showed us another way. He came not to judge, but to serve. He looked beyond people’s faults and chose to see their need. And when He discerned what was in their hearts, He didn’t use it to condemn them—He used it as a chance to teach, to guide, and to love. That challenges me deeply: How can I serve the person standing in front of me instead of overthinking or judging them?

Love is the answer. Love always is. Peter reminds us that love covers over a multitude of sins. It doesn’t expose, it doesn’t shame, it doesn’t push people away. Instead, love creates space—space to be real, to grow, and to be known.

And so, I pause to ask myself:

• What do people say about who I am?
• How do people feel when they leave my presence?
• And how do they feel when they enter it?

These questions expose the fruit of my heart. If people leave feeling burdened, corrected, or small, then perhaps judgment has spoken louder than love. But if they leave encouraged, uplifted, and seen—then maybe love had the final word.

I’ve had to admit to myself that my need to correct others has often pushed them away. Who wants to be in a space where they feel constantly measured? Sometimes, people don’t need my words of correction—they need my presence of love. They need me to listen, to understand, to respect, even when no change comes.

Judgment steals joy. Love restores it.

Judgment builds walls. Love opens doors.

Judgment suffocates. Love breathes life.

So I want to choose differently. To allow others to live freely without turning up my nose, while keeping my eyes on God. To please Him by walking in faith, shaping my thoughts with His Word, and letting His love overflow from my heart.

Because whatever I conceive in my mind, I will live out. Living out self is disaster, but living out God’s ways is life.

So may my thoughts be on things above.
May my heart be filled with love.
And may my presence carry grace, not judgment.

Prayer
Lord, help me to follow the way of Jesus—to serve instead of judge, to love instead of condemn. Teach me to see people through Your eyes and to make space for them to be who they are, while I remain anchored in You. Let my presence be light, peace, and love. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart reflect heaven, not self. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-Nathlee R. Grant