I used to be really jealous of the Apostle John. I know he hasn’t been around for over two thousand years but let me explain why… Early in my Christian walk, I read the entire New Testament for the very first time. I was comfortable while reading Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but when I got to the book of John, I got a little agitated, to say the least. Throughout the Gospel of John, John never gives his name; instead, he refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved or Jesus’ beloved. (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7; 21:20). The reality is Jesus never called John his beloved; it was John who identified himself this way. But John was so convincing in his declaration that I believed what he said was true. And I assumed the Lord seemed to love John more than everybody else. I thought to myself, “John is such a braggadocio! Lord, how can I be your beloved too?!”

I have since learned that John was indeed Jesus’ beloved. We all are! The apostle John taught me what it really means to receive the love of God. I mean, picture him in John 13:23 (NKJV) “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.” He was a young adult man leaning on Jesus’ chest as if he were a kid all over again. I don’t know many young men who would have the courage to do this in this day and time, but to lean on Jesus… what an experience that must have been.

When you fully embrace the love of Jesus, you do not seem to care about what others say about you. God has the final say. You do not seem to listen to the lying vanities of the evil one. God has already defeated him. You do not seem to let life’s circumstances drive you into a frenzy. You understand earth is just a temporary place. To truly receive the love of God means to realize your value- how much you are worth to the Lord. You are so valuable to Him that you were worth dying for. You are so valuable to Him that He brought you to this planet called earth because you have something someone needs. This was John’s secret revelation. He was an eyewitness to the things that Jesus went through just for him, just for you, and just for me. And out of that experience, he discovered that he was all of that, plus some.

So prior to pursuing your purpose or your destiny, first take the time to embrace the love of Jesus. The initial step is to accept Him into your heart. If you have not done so already, repeat this prayer out loud. “Lord, I repent of my sins. I believe that you are the son of God and God has raised you from the dead. I receive you into my heart. May I come to know the love of God more and more each day. Thank you for loving me so much that you paid the ultimate sacrifice and died for me. Help me along this journey of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Now, my friend, you are ready to carry out your godly purpose, and I’m confident that this month’s articles will further empower you. God bless!