40-Day Worship Experience Youth DevotionalSample

Who do you usually say “I love you” to? Maybe your parents? Your friends? Your dog? I hope they all show love to you in return.

Expressing love is a beautiful thing. As humans, we were created to love and to be loved. It’s part of our nature. We need to feel seen, appreciated, cared for, and accepted. This need for love comes from God Himself, who is love. That is why the simple prayer “Jesus, I love You” is so important. Love is a deep human need, one that connects us with God.

Love cannot be forced or faked, but it can certainly grow. If you think about how your friendships develop, you’ll see how the growth of love is a result of time spent together, of shared conversations and experiences, of moments of vulnerability and openness.

That is what happens during these fifteen minutes alone with the Lord each morning. You are developing a relationship. You are learning to receive God’s love and to express your love for Him. You are growing more comfortable with Him and learning to be vulnerable and feel safe in His presence.

Remember, God’s love for you is the most important part of this relationship. If you feel shaky in your faith, or if you’ve made mistakes and feel shame or guilt, or if life is difficult and you are struggling with fear or pain, you can rely on God’s unchanging love.

This morning, begin to express your love to God by saying, “Jesus, I love You.” Let your heart find safety in Him. Lean into the relationship, seeking to sense His presence and hear His voice. He is near to you, and His love is drawing you closer.

Reflect

What does God’s love mean to you? How would you describe it? How could you grow in your love for God?