Does God Love You?

Of course He does. You probably already believe that, but there's often a long ways between believing something and understanding and feeling it. Believing it in your head helps direct you in the actions you should take, but only when you believe it in your heart do you gain the full power that this knowledge should impart. This page is dedicated to helping you reach that understanding and living a richer life because of it.

Why does it matter if I feel God loves me?

Something on this later...but isn't it obvious? Maybe you have to experience the joy this brings to really know....

How can I come to feel God's love?

Many ways.

• Read the scriptures. In nearly every verse or story, you will find clues as to the true nature of God. Don't automatically accept everything that may have been taught you--for example: we've all heard about the "God of the Old Testament", a jealous vengeful being who swiftly punished anyone who didn't obey him. But a closer reading reveals His patience and mercy--the exact same as the "New Testament God." When you see God in action through these stories, and especially when your heart is touched by the accompanying Holy Spirit (which often accompanies truth in any form), your heart will take courage and your faith will grow. You will find a growing power in your life to keep hope alive.
• Serve others. Remember that "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." This isn't talking about death, it's talking about living for God and our fellow beings.   Also remember "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye gtook me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when swaw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we theee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or wehn waw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I wsay unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethre, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:35-40). And "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
• Pray. God listens and answers. Then keep praying. Remember the parable of the widow who troubled the king with her requests until he finally complied just to get rid of her. The message is this: have faith and "pester" God with your needs and righteous desires until He blesses you. Of course remember that He knows what's best for you and ask for that. He often gives you what you want even when it's not best for you, so be careful! And be grateful for whatever you have!
• Repent and keep the commandments. Ponder this scripture: "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." (1 John 3:22)
• Fast. Accompany your fast with prayer and service and you'll find this to be a very pleasant experience. "Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer." (Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 59:14)
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