I’m pleased to have my friend and fellow blogger, Karen Foster, share what’s she’s learned about love in today’s post. Her heartfelt words encourage me. I pray they encourage you too. Thanks Karen!

“I love you, but…” Has anyone said that to you?

For me, instead of owning the love, I camp on the words that follow that statement because it seems the person’s love (or approval) is contingent on something I do or don’t do.

When I raised kids, I probably said the same thing. “I love you, but . . . you need to clean your room, do your homework, behave.”

I assumed God spoke that way to me. “I love you, but . . .”

But, what? What do I need to do?

As a performance-driven, people pleaser, I turned myself inside out to find the answer.

Do I need to earn my salvation?

No, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

Do I need to earn God’s love?

No, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Maybe I need to be a better Christian so I don’t lose God’s love.

And the Loving God who calls me “Beloved” assures me, “Nothing can separate you from my love” (Romans 8:35-39).

You see, I spent years learning God’s Word, but I had to believe God. Imagine my relief and the mind-blowing joy to know that I know—God loves. There are no ifs, ands, or buts.

Karen is a writer, blogger, and speaker. Her joy is her family. Her passion is God and His Word. Karen’s stories about God’s love and faithfulness have appeared in multiple publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Military Families. You can follow her at KarenFosterMinistry.com or Twitter: @eveninthis  

This post is part of my “Lessons I’ve Learned About Life (so far)” series for the #write31days challenge. To find out more start here.