The Connection Corner

Experience God’s Constant Love

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

Psalm 36:7

I love you, I love you, I hate you.

At lunch with a friend, I was describing the confusing relationship I had with my mom. After sharing several stories of painful moments, my friend calmly said, “That’s called ‘I love you, I love you, I hate you.’”

I’d never heard those words put together like that, but they rang true. My friend unpacked it more as we ate lunch, and I realized she was describing my childhood experience.

Later, as I thought about being loved and also very harsh moments throughout my childhood, I realized my marriage had been the same way. Sincere moments of love and care were followed by dishonesty, meanness, and infidelity. The cycle would repeat over and over. I love you, I love you, I hate you.

The more I thought about this, the sadder I became. One Sunday morning while driving, I began to pour out my heart to God. “Father, it doesn’t seem fair that the two most influential relationships of my life have been ‘I love you, I love you, I hate you’.” I repeated myself to God several times, lamenting the pain and confusion of these very close but very difficult relationships.

Then, very clearly, I heard a caring, warm voice say to me:

“I love you, I love you, I love you.”

Tears poured down my face as I pulled my car over. I couldn’t stop crying for over an hour. I knew it was true. He loves us, unconditionally. Hearing this and knowing it was true, I felt healing begin.

Our earthly relationships don’t always reflect the love of God. His love is constant, unwavering, and true. He isn’t reactionary or punishing. He doesn’t withhold His love. His love is lavish, healing, and unwavering.

If you’ve been hurt by a rejecting, confusing “I love you, I love you, I hate you” experience, I’m so sorry. Please know you have a Heavenly Father who is saying to you today:

I love you.
I love you.
I love you.

February 14, 2025/by Lisa Williams

Waiting with Faith

Bri Dunn, Daily Devotional

“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do.”

Hebrews 6:10

I had always imagined my life unfolding in a certain way—falling in love, getting married, and becoming a mom. But in my early twenties, none of that was happening. Friends were catching bouquets and posting baby pictures, while I was still buried in textbooks and finishing my degree.

I remember asking the Lord for help in my frustration. He placed it on my heart to serve others in the very areas I was longing for. He encouraged me to start celebrating others even when they were getting what I wanted. I did not love the answer at first, but I knew He was right.

So, I started showing up. I went to baby showers, helped throw engagement parties, and celebrated all the beautiful things happening in other’s lives.

I even remember a Valentine’s Day where two dear friends wanted to surprise their fiancés and needed help pulling off the perfect romantic evening. I volunteered to make their vision a reality.

For hours, I set the table, fluffed pillows, and added every thoughtful touch I could think of. At the end of the night, as I packed up the decorations, I prayed one more time: “Lord, next year, I would love to be loved by someone in the same way.”

That night, God reminded me: faith is not always about getting what we want when we want it. It is about trusting His heart, even when the wait feels endless.

But I have got to brag on God a little bit. Just a year later, there I was, not planning the perfect night, but living it. I found myself sitting at a candle lit dinner across from Chris, the man I had prayed for, who would soon become my husband.

This is what I want you to take away: Faith, at its core, works through love.

So, this Valentine’s Day, can I encourage you? It can be hard to celebrate others when things aren’t happening the way we hoped. But sometimes, delay is simply space for you to grow in love—and that will always prepare you for something even better down the road.

February 13, 2025/by Bri Dunn

Finding Hope in New Places

Daily Devotional, Lisa Williams

“Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

Mandy lay awake in the middle of the night, staring at the ceiling. The hum of the fan did little to calm her racing thoughts. Her husband’s job relocation had come suddenly, and though she tried to stay positive, she felt so anxious.

They had only been Christians for a short time, and their church was everything to her. The potlucks, the small groups, the pastor who preached with such sincerity. It was where she learned to read her Bible and pray.

Mandy couldn’t imagine losing that. Would they find another church? What if their faith faded without such a strong community?

The first few weeks in their new town only made her fears feel more real. Mandy and her husband visited churches every Sunday, but nothing felt right. The people were nice, but the connection wasn’t there. By the third week, she was ready to give up.

Then one morning, they walked into a little church tucked between a coffee shop and a pharmacy. Mandy was not expecting much, but as soon as they stepped inside, something felt different.

The greeters’ smiles were genuine, the worship authentic, and the teaching rooted in truth. Within weeks, they joined a small group, and for the first time since the move, Mandy felt a glimmer of peace.

Months later, Mandy looked back on those sleepless nights and smiled. God had known what they needed all along. Through their new church, she and her husband laughed harder, prayed more fervently, and studied Scripture with a hunger she never knew she had.

Friend, if you are struggling to trust God with the unknown, remember Mandy’s story. God provided more than she had dared to hope. He sees your heart and knows your needs, too. He isn’t just good—He is better than you can imagine, and His love will meet you right where you are.

February 12, 2025/by Lisa Williams