God’s love – Is It Real?

There’s something incredibly profound about God’s love. It isn’t just an abstract idea or a theological principle to understand—it’s real, active, and alive in our lives. As we look at John 14, we see Jesus revealing the deep, intimate connection He shares with the Father, and the way that same love is extended to us through the Holy Spirit. But what does that really mean for us, on a personal level? How does God's love shape our everyday experiences?

In John 14:18, Jesus promises, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” From the very beginning, God makes it clear: His love is not distant or detached. Jesus isn’t just telling His disciples He’ll be with them in a metaphorical sense; He is promising a real, tangible presence. This is the kind of love that we’re invited into—not just a theoretical concept, but a living reality.

For me, this promise became a living truth when I was just 12 years old. One afternoon, as I was sitting in my room, reading... not expecting anything special. I was simply sitting there when out of nowhere, Jesus spoke directly to my heart. I’ll never forget the simplicity yet power of His words: “I am with you.” It wasn’t just a comforting phrase; it was a revelation—an encounter that completely reshaped my understanding of God’s love. It wasn’t something I had read in books or heard in church—it was something I could feel in my heart, something that changed my life. His presence wasn’t just theoretical—it was as real as anything I’d ever known. And from that moment on, I knew I wasn’t alone.

That moment didn’t just fade away after a week or a month. Jesus’ love became a constant presence in my life. Over the years, as I navigated life’s twists and turns, I would continue to hear God’s voice, guiding me. Sometimes, it was in the big decisions, when I needed clarity and direction. Other times, it was in the small, everyday moments where I felt unsure. No matter the situation, His voice was there, reassuring me, leading me, and teaching me. His love wasn’t a distant memory—it was an active, ongoing relationship that I could count on.

I remember many years ago, when I had to make an important decision, feeling completely overwhelmed. In that moment, God spoke so clearly and told me exactly what I needed to do. Another time, I needed to know how to do something in my house, I asked Him, and He gave me four distinct steps—four simple instructions on exactly how to move forward. I was in awe. It wasn’t just a nudge or vague feeling; it was clear guidance, like He was walking me through it step by step. I can’t even recall exactly what the task was now, but I still remember the excitement I felt knowing that He was guiding me so practically, that His love was not just an emotional comfort but a real, active presence in my life. He didn’t leave me guessing; He spoke directly, making sure I knew exactly what to do.

And His voice wasn’t just there for me. I remember shortly after my husband and I got married, when we were beginning to navigate life together. One day, as he was working, moving a heavy load of stones at his job, Jesus spoke to him in a way that stopped him cold. He said, “My love for you comes through your wife too, so you had better love her well.” It was such a powerful, direct word, and it left a lasting impact on him. He couldn’t ignore it. It was as if God was saying, “Your marriage is a reflection of My love for you, and I want you to love her well, as I love you.” In that moment, my husband realized the weight of what was being said—not just to love me, but to love me as Jesus loves him.

In those words, we were reminded that God’s love isn’t just something we experience in isolation. His love flows through us to one another. In marriage, His love is active, teaching us how to love and care for each other the way He loves us. We weren’t just two individuals trying to figure out how to love each other; we were reflecting the love of God. That moment when God spoke to my husband was a reminder that His love is always working—even in the most ordinary moments of life.

And God’s love extends beyond just our personal lives. There’s a story I’ll never forget about how God’s love moved powerfully in the life of someone I prayed for. I had the privilege of praying for a grandmother who was seriously ill in the hospital. I remember feeling led to pray for her, even though I wasn’t sure if anything would change. I asked her if I could pray, and she agreed confidently. I should also mention that there were unbelievers in the room that hummed and hawed about it...  As we prayed, I felt a deep sense of God’s presence. Afterward, the doctors confirmed something amazing—she was healed. Her health completely turned around. The doctors were amazed at the sudden change. It was a moment that deepened my understanding of God’s healing love and the power of prayer. I learned that God’s love isn’t just about comfort or emotional support—it is transformative and life-changing. That moment, like so many others, showed me that God is actively working in the world, healing, guiding, and loving His people in ways we can’t always explain but can always trust. Those unbelieving relatives, were amazed. One actually called me twice since then! But that's a story for another time.

God’s love has shown up in many wonderful ways in my life. I remember one time, I had to walk home from the doctors office, and as the sky darkened with rain clouds and thunder rolled in, I remember calling out to God, asking Him to hold back the rain. And just like that, the rain stopped. It started back up the moment I stepped inside my house! The second time, my sister-in-law, my hubby and I were standing and chatting out on the lawn watching the storm come across the sky, the clouds were heavy, and the rain was starting to fall. But as soon as we prayed, the clouds parted, the rain cleared up over our houses, and went around our neighborhood!  The third time, my hubby and I were, again sitting out on the porch —rain clouds appeared, but we asked God for His intervention, and sure enough, the rain ceased. These moments were such powerful reminders that God’s love is not just a spiritual concept—it’s a powerful presence in every detail of our lives. He listens to our prayers, and He does respond.

This is the beauty of God’s love—it’s not confined to ancient history. Jesus is alive, and He speaks into our lives today. As Jesus promised in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit would come to teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has said. That’s exactly what happened in my life. His presence was with me—not as a passive observer, but as a real guide, showing me how to live, how to love, and how to hear His voice more clearly each day.

I’ve had many moments when God spoke, offering guidance or correction. Several times, during particularly difficult seasons, I was uncertain of what path to take. I was wrestling with decisions about what to do, feeling the weight of uncertainty, and wondering where God was leading me. In the midst of that, I felt a deep sense of peace and clarity. The answer wasn’t immediate, but I knew, without a doubt, that God was with me, that He wasn’t going to let me go. He reminded me of the truth I had learned all those years ago when I was 12: "I am with you." He was still with me, just as He promised. And He sill is! All WE have to do is BELIEVE!

And that’s the thing about God’s love—it doesn’t fade. It doesn’t depend on circumstances. Whether you’re facing the toughest decisions, or just trying to get through a difficult day, God’s love remains constant. His voice remains clear. His guidance doesn’t stop. The Holy Spirit continues to teach us, lead us, and remind us of everything Jesus has said.

This same love and guidance isn’t just for individuals—it impacts our relationships as well. In John 15:9, Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” The love that Jesus has for us isn’t meant to stay just with us—it flows through us to others. This is where God’s love intersects with our relationships, especially in marriage. As I experienced in my own life, God speaks to us directly, guiding us in how we love, how we act, and how we reflect His love to others.

Through His voice, His guidance, and His love, we are made one with Him. We are never alone in this journey. God’s love isn’t a distant idea; it’s real, it’s personal, and it’s something that shapes how we live. Through the Holy Spirit, we are invited into a dynamic relationship with God, one that impacts every aspect of our lives—from our decisions to the way we love each other. Through His voice, His guidance, and His love, we experience a relationship that transforms us, leading us into a deeper understanding of His heart.

As we look at John 14, we see that Jesus is revealing the heart of the Father—a love that is all-encompassing, deeply personal, and inviting us into a relationship. Jesus and the Father are united in love, and through the Holy Spirit, we are invited into that same love. The beauty of this relationship is that it’s not just for the future—it’s for now. God is with us, speaking to us, guiding us, and living in us through the Holy Spirit. John 14:18 isn’t just a statement; it’s a promise that God’s love is with us every day, in every situation, helping us navigate life.

God’s love isn’t a distant idea; it’s real, active, and personal. Through His voice, His Spirit, and His presence in our lives, He teaches, guides, and empowers us. And just as He has been speaking to me for years—guiding me, teaching me, correcting me, and comforting me—He desires to do the same for you, to guide you step by step, and to make His love real in your life too.

May YOU be blessed to hear His Voice too!

If this message has blessed you, please leave a comment! Thanks!

Anna M. Hazen 2025