How do I Feel God's Love?

Much of what I have learned about feeling God's love comes from lessons I learn at home with my family. Just to clarify, no one in my home wears halos. In fact, we find grumbles, bickering, teasing, and arguments between siblings like several other households I know well. That is no excuse. We are all trying to become better. Sometimes it is two steps forward the three steps back. Ugh.

Often, the times I have felt God's love pour out most is not necessarily when everyone is getting along beautifully - although it helps. Rather, in my prayerful pleading for God's help I begin to feel the love of my Father in Heaven. Even though it is tempting to give up, or send the teenagers to their rooms, there is a better way to feel God's strength and His love!

So, why is it that God's love can be felt when you or I really need it and want it? I have found that I feel God's love for me when I love what He loves.

So what does God love? The scriptures teach many things. Here are a few:

1. He loves all His children. For me, when I look out for their needs more than myself I feel best.
2. He loves us when we follow Him. For me, that means trying to live the commandments is an important way for me to feel His love. "If ye love me, keep my commandments..." (John 14:15).
3. He loves us when we are weak so that we desire to repent. I always feel better when I ask for God's help in my weak moments. For me, that is often.
4. Ultimately, He loves His Son, Jesus Christ.  "...He that loves me shall be loved of my Father." (John 14:21).

Thus, when I love others, love the Lord Jesus Christ, love His commandments, and love to become better through obedience and repentance, I can better feel the love of God.

Isn't it great that God is so good? Just thinking of this makes me smile! :-)