Introduction

It’s one thing to feel loved when we’re at our best—when we’re kind, selfless, and walking closely with God. But what about the times when we’re not at our best? When we’re consumed by sin, brokenness, or despair? Can we really believe that God knows everything about us and still loves us?

The answer, beautifully and overwhelmingly, is yes. Thanks be to God.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 10:30 and 31 (NIV):

“even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” since “you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Think about that for a moment. God knows the number of hairs on your head (which is easier for people like me than others!)—not just today, but yesterday, and tomorrow, and every day after that. This isn’t just a trivial fact; it’s a loving statement about His intimate knowledge of us. He knows us more deeply than we can imagine, and yet, He loves us completely.

He Knows Everything About You

The Bible tells us that God knows the deepest parts of us. King David wrote in Psalm 139:

God doesn’t just know our outward actions—He knows our thoughts, our motivations, and even the words we’re about to speak. For some of us, this level of transparency might feel unsettling. But in God’s hands, it’s not a reason for fear. It’s a reason for joy, because His love for us is not based on who we pretend to be; it’s based on who we really are. And He loves us anyway.

I’ll say it again: thanks be to God!

The Scene with Mary Magdalene

One of the most poignant depictions of God’s intimate love for us comes from the first episode of The Chosen. First, a quick bit of personal backstory. My wife and I were recently talking to our prodigal daughter about how loving God is. She expressed a sentiment that we probably all have felt at least once in our Christian journey: “I don’t see how God could love me, with everything I’ve done.” This scene from The Chosen popped into my mind, so I mentioned it to her and tried to describe it.

If I’m not mistaken, this scene is the first time we meet Jesus in the show. Mary Magdalene, who is living in despair and brokenness—to the point where she’s suicidal—encounters Jesus. Known as “Lillith” in the episode (meaning “female demons”), Mary is trapped by her pain and sin. She’s tried everything to find healing, but nothing has worked.

When Jesus approaches her for the first time, He calls her by name and quotes Isaiah 43:1:

This verse, which her earthly father had recited to her as a child, suddenly becomes the voice of her Heavenly Father. Jesus calls her His child and speaks to the very heart of her identity. In that moment, she is not defined by her sin or brokenness. She is defined by God’s love. I’ve watched this scene several times, and it still brings tears to my eyes.

Why? Because it’s easy to put myself in Mary’s place, wondering if I’ll be able to get out of my own way. I’ll bet most of us can sympathy with Mary and imagine how it would feel for Jesus to speak these words to us. No matter how lost we feel, no matter how far we’ve wandered, Jesus calls us by name and claims us as His own. His love is not diminished by our failures.

This is the message I need my daughter to hear. I suspect that if everyone would hear these words that God is speaking to them, there wouldn’t be an empty seat in any of our churches.

God’s Love Transcends Our Brokenness

Because we can be slow learners and need frequent reminders, scripture is filled with assurances of God’s love for us, even in our weakest moments:

• Romans 5:8:
  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
  God didn’t wait for us to clean up our act before He extended His love. He loved us at our lowest and sent His Son to redeem us.
• Isaiah 49:15-16:
  “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”
  God’s love is more enduring and compassionate than even the most tender human love.
• 1 John 3:1:
  “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
  God doesn’t merely tolerate us—He lavishes His love on us and calls us His children.

Loved, Known, and Redeemed

The truth of God’s love is this: He knows everything about you—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and He loves you anyway. He knows your struggles, your failures, and your darkest thoughts. But He also knows your potential, your beauty, and the unique person He created you to be.

When you feel unworthy of His love, remember the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7). Like I wrote about last week, just as the shepherd left the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, God actively seeks you, not because of anything you’ve done to deserve it, but because you are precious to Him.

Conclusion: Rest in His Love

Take comfort in the fact that you are fully known and fully loved by God. He knows your name, your struggles, your thoughts, and your needs. He sees you, and He loves you more deeply than you can imagine.

This week, spend time reflecting on these truths. Reread Isaiah 43:1, Psalm 139, or Luke 15, and let God’s Word remind you of His relentless and reckless love for you. If you’ve ever doubted how much God loves you, let this be your assurance: He knows you completely, and He loves you anyway.

You are His. Always.

Postscript

If this post spoke to your heart, consider sharing it with someone who may need this reminder of God’s love. Also, I’d love to hear what truths about God’s love have encouraged you lately. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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