How Taking Time to Reflect on God’s Love Leads Us Back to Him
Life moves fast. Between work, family, and everything else, it’s easy to go from one thing to the next without stopping to catch your breath. But every now and then, it does us good to slow down and remember something truly important: the goodness of God. Not just as a nice idea, but as a real, life-changing truth.
At its heart, the Christian faith isn’t about rules or guilt trips. It’s about a relationship with a God who loves us more than we can imagine. Sometimes, we mess up. Sometimes, we drift away or make choices we’re not proud of. But what brings us back? Is it fear? Pressure? Or is it something much deeper—something better?
The Power of Remembering
Think about this: when was the last time you sat still for a moment and remembered all the ways God has been good to you? Maybe it was something big, like making it through a tough time. Maybe it was something small, like the comfort of a friend, a roof over your head, or a moment of unexpected peace. All of these are signs of God’s kindness.
The Bible says it’s the goodness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). That might sound like a fancy religious word, but “repentance” simply means turning around—changing direction. It’s more than saying sorry; it’s about seeing things differently and wanting to grow closer to God.
But what gets us to that point? It’s not just a list of our mistakes. It’s remembering how much God loves us, even when we fall short.
For God So Loved the World…
There’s a verse many people know—even if they haven’t been to church in years: “For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son…” (John 3:16). That one sentence says so much. It tells us that God’s love isn’t just for the people who have it all together. It’s for everyone. And this love isn’t just a feeling; it’s something God acted on.
God gave. He didn’t just send a message from far away—He came close. He showed up in our world, in the person of Jesus. That’s what separates Christianity from so many other beliefs: God doesn’t wait for us to crawl our way up to Him. He reaches down to us.
Letting Love Lead Us Home
We all have moments when we realize we’re not where we want to be. Maybe we said something we regret, made a choice we wish we could take back, or simply feel lost. When that happens, it’s tempting to beat ourselves up or try to hide. But God’s love invites us to be honest, to come just as we are, and let His kindness pull us back.
Love changes things. Knowing that you’re loved—even at your lowest—gives you the courage to face the truth. You don’t have to pretend. You don’t have to earn your way back. God’s goodness is already reaching out to you.
Why Take Time to Remember?
Here’s the thing: life is noisy. There are always problems to solve and distractions that fill our minds. That’s why taking time—just a few moments—to remember God’s goodness can make all the difference. It helps us see beyond our worries and reminds us we’re not alone.
When you start to remember how God has come through for you—how He’s provided, protected, forgiven, and loved—it changes your heart. Suddenly, the mistakes and mess-ups don’t seem like the end of the story. You remember that God is bigger than your failures. That’s when real change starts to happen.
· You feel hope rising again.
· You find the strength to say, “I’m sorry.”
· You want to turn back and get closer to God.
It’s not about making yourself feel bad; it’s about letting the goodness of God move your heart.
Practical Ways to Remember
So how do you actually take time to remember God’s goodness? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ideas:
· Take a few quiet moments in the morning or before bed to think about one way God was good to you that day.
· Write down blessings—big or small—in a notebook. When you’re feeling down, read them again.
· Talk with a friend or family member about how you’ve seen God work in your life.
· Read a favorite Bible passage, like Psalm 23, and pause to thank God for His kindness.
· Listen to music that reminds you of God’s love and faithfulness.
These little habits help keep our hearts soft and open. They remind us that God’s goodness isn’t just a thing of the past—it’s right here, right now.
God Gave—And Keeps On Giving
“For God so loved the world, He gave…” That’s not just something God did a long time ago. He’s still giving today—giving us grace, strength, forgiveness, and hope. Every breath and every new day is a gift. When we see life that way, it’s easier to trust God, even when things aren’t perfect.
And when we mess up—because let’s face it, we all do—remembering what God has already given helps us turn back to Him. It’s not about shame or fear; it’s about being drawn by love.
Repentance: A Fresh Start, Not a Punishment
Sometimes people think repentance is all about feeling bad or groveling. But that’s not God’s heart. Repentance is about getting a fresh start. It’s about realizing, “I don’t have to stay stuck. I can come home.” And what motivates that? Not just the rules, but the goodness and love God has for you.
God’s kindness opens the door for us to say, “Yes, I want to live differently. I want to lean into Your love.” That’s not a heavy burden—it’s an invitation to freedom and real change.
Final Thoughts
If life feels overwhelming, or if you feel far from God, take a moment. Breathe. Remember the ways He has been good to you. Remember that He loves you—so much that He gave everything to bring you back. His arms are always open. You don’t have to wait or earn your way in. Just turn around. Let His goodness lead you back, every single time.
Because at the end of the day, it’s the simple, powerful truth that sets us free: For God so loved the world, He gave.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 