Yet He loves

We may not realize it, but everyone desires to be known. Why do you think personality tests are so popular? The Enneagram, Meyers Briggs, and DiSC are all tools and tests used to help us better understand ourselves and each other. Because when we know each other, and ourselves, we can work together better. 

But I think there is an even more important reason than simply creating a healthy team dynamic. Only when you are known can you truly be loved. Think about it, real love is not simply physical attraction, having fun together, or sharing things in common. Real love is sacrificial. Jesus once said that the greatest love is to lay down’s one life for his friend. Real love is sacrificial. 

And the reason I believe being known is fundamental to love, is because when someone sacrifices something for me, they do so knowing all of my flaws and shortcomings. When my wife says, “I love you,” those are not three little words that we just throw around. Those words mean that she deeply cares for me despite my harsh words and selfish actions. When you are known, scars and all, but loved anyway, you’re getting to that deep kind of sacrificial love that Jesus was talking about.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I love country music, specifically Eric Church. Several years ago he released a song called “Like Jesus Does.” It’s a song about how much his lady loves him. Here’s an excerpt from one of the verses: 

I'm a left foot leaning on a supped up Chevy
I'm a good ol' boy drinkin' whiskey and rye on the levee
But she carries me when my sins make me heavy
And loves me like Jesus does

​In other words, the girl knows everything about me, but loves me anyway. She loves me like Jesus does. Because Jesus’ love is sacrificial. Jesus sees everything. He knows everything. Yet, He forgives all things. He gave His life for you so that you could live. He loved you despite your flaws.  He knows you, yet loves you anyway. When it comes to Jesus, love is not blind. His loves sees all, yet chooses you anyway. 

It reminds of the famous Psalm 139 when David writes, 
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;
 you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

God knows you better than you know yourself. David couldn’t comprehend how much God knew and loved him. And despite God’s great knowledge of us, He chose to send Jesus. And Jesus loved us. So much so, that He gave His own life so that we could live. Take heart, Christian, you are known… But more importantly, you are loved.