Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton on Unsplash

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.

Hosea 6:6 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/hos.6.6.NLT

Every person wants to be loved and known. Guess what, God desires the same thing! God wants us to show love and to know Him. This is far more important than any religious structure or system in our lives.

There is a nasty tendency in humanity to try to develop systems and structures that will minimize our need to really know each other. This is rooted in fear with thinking like, “if people knew the real me, they would not like me anymore.” This is also rooted in busyness. Efficiency is more important than relationship. Often, time is valued more highly than getting to know someone.

It is as if God is saying, “Don’t just throw religious effort my way and call it good. That is not even close to what I am reaching for. Know me. Love me. Risk making yourself available to me. Let me share with you my love and knowledge. Take the time to share life with me!”

In marriage, if all one did was go through the functions of marriage without spending any real time together, it would fall short of what anyone hoped for. The same is true in family. In fact, any relationship that matters has a longing to be loved and known.

Encouragement: Take time to make yourself available to God. Let God know you love Him with your words and actions.  Share with God about who you are. Take time and ask God about His love for you.  Take time and ask God about what is important to Him.

Choose one other person this week to show love and understanding with. Be intentional and connect with them.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for these great words from God about a real desire to be loved and known. Thank You for making Yourself known and Your love so obvious to us. Encourage us in making ourselves known to You and showing our love for You by how we live.

In Jesus name,

Amen

–Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center