One of the great mysteries of humanity is the very thing we long for, the very thing we need is the very thing we resist. We long to know we are loved, deeply loved, passionately loved, it is literally the air that keeps us alive. Yet so many people resist being loved because they have been holding their breath for so long they do not know how to exhale and let themselves inhale love. Striving, laboring, performing, are all evidence of people who are holding their breath seeking affirmation, seeking attention, seeking love but if given it have no idea how to receive it. It is so sad to watch people resist the very thing they desire, they need.

Jeremiah 31 says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt.”

What is it in us that cannot receive this kind of love? We said a prayer, we read our bible, we go to church, but we cannot receive this kind of love from God, and then whether we realize it or not, we cannot receive love well from others. One reason is fear, fear of being out of control, fear of being hurt if you let your guard down and let someone really love you. Fear of being taken advantage of, fear of having to change. Fear is a root in us that resists love, the very thing we want, the very thing we need. It is no wonder 1 John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casts out all fear!”

Did you know the only way to be fearless is to accept, receive and embrace love? Did you know your fear is evidence of a lack of love? We operate out of fear, we avoid, we dodge, we ignore, we run, we block, we resist God and others because of fear. Friends, if you can’t trust people, practice trust with God. If you don’t know how to receive love from people, open your heart and receive love from God. His love is unfailing, it is everlasting, it is healing to the wounded soul. No wonder Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13, “The greatest of these is love.” You need it, you want it, and you were created to receive it and give it. If we can’t receive love is it surprising why we can’t give it? Love, real love, is what we all long for.