Why God Loves You

Summary

In this heartfelt reflection, Father Mike Schmitz shares a touching story about his niece, Catherine, who was sick and comforted by her family. He contrasts the feelings of being loved at our best versus our worst and highlights the core message of Christianity: God's love for us is unconditional. Father Mike emphasizes that, unlike the anti-gospel, we are not chosen because we are perfect, but because of our imperfections. The true gospel is about being loved and redeemed in our brokenness. Ultimately, we are special because we are chosen, and God desires us just as we are.

Takeaways

• 😀 When we are at our weakest, the love and care of others can make a profound impact on our hearts, as seen when a child is comforted by a loved one during sickness.
• 😀 Jesus Christ's message is that God chooses us not in spite of our weaknesses but because of them, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and grace.
• 😀 The idea that we are loved not only when we are at our best but also in our worst moments is a central theme of Christianity.
• 😀 The true gospel message is that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, not because we were worthy but because of God's love and mercy.
• 😀 Many people struggle with the belief that they must be perfect to be loved or chosen, but the message of Christianity flips this idea, emphasizing God's love despite imperfection.
• 😀 According to St. Paul in Romans, Christ's love is proven because He died for us while we were still helpless, offering redemption and grace.
• 😀 The 'anti-gospel' is the false belief that to be loved and chosen, one must be perfect, healthy, and whole, which contradicts the message of Christianity.
• 😀 The real gospel teaches that in order to be redeemed, we must acknowledge our brokenness and sinfulness rather than striving for perfection.
• 😀 God does not need us to be perfect or whole to be loved by Him; He desires us to be His, regardless of our imperfections.
• 😀 The core truth of the gospel is that when we are in need or in distress, the Lord comes to our aid, offering salvation, comfort, and grace.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Father Mike Schmitz's message in this script?

The main theme revolves around God's love for us, especially in our weakest moments. Father Mike emphasizes that the Christian gospel teaches that we are loved and chosen by God, not because of our perfection, but despite our weaknesses and flaws.

How does Father Mike illustrate the idea of unconditional love?

Father Mike uses the story of his sick niece to illustrate unconditional love. When she is sick, her family stops what they are doing to comfort and care for her. This act of love reflects the way God loves us even when we are at our weakest or most vulnerable.

What does Father Mike mean by the term 'anti-gospel'?

The 'anti-gospel' is the idea that in order to be loved or chosen by others, one must be perfect or without flaws. This contrasts with the real gospel, which teaches that God loves us despite our imperfections, weaknesses, and sins.

How does Father Mike differentiate between the true gospel and the 'anti-gospel'?

The true gospel teaches that in order to be redeemed, we must acknowledge our brokenness, sin, and imperfections. The 'anti-gospel', on the other hand, suggests that one must be perfect to be loved or chosen. Father Mike stresses that God's love is not based on our perfection but on our need for Him.

What biblical reference does Father Mike use to support his message?

Father Mike references Romans 5, where St. Paul writes that 'while we were still helpless, yet Christ died for the ungodly'. This verse underscores the idea that Christ's love for us is unconditional and extends to us even when we are at our worst.

What is the significance of the statement 'God does not love us in spite of our weaknesses, He loves us because of our weaknesses'?

This statement highlights the Christian belief that God's love is not contingent on our strength or perfection. Instead, God's love is given to us precisely because we are weak and in need of His grace, emphasizing the redemptive power of God's love.

Why does Father Mike mention the story of his niece in relation to Christian faith?

Father Mike uses the story of his niece to illustrate the way God comes to our aid in times of need. Just as his niece’s family stopped everything to care for her, God is always there to care for us, especially when we are most vulnerable.

What does Father Mike mean by 'you're special because you're chosen'?

Father Mike is emphasizing that our worth is not based on our own abilities or perfection. Instead, we are special because God has chosen us, regardless of our flaws or weaknesses, reinforcing the idea that our value comes from God's love, not our own merit.

What does Father Mike say about Christians who feel unworthy due to their imperfections?

Father Mike encourages Christians who feel unworthy because of their weaknesses or sins by reminding them that the gospel is for the broken. He explains that feeling unworthy does not disqualify them from God's love or redemption, and they should not believe in the 'anti-gospel' of perfection.

How does Father Mike conclude the message in the video?

Father Mike concludes by reaffirming that God's love is not conditional on our perfection, but rather on our willingness to be His. He encourages viewers to embrace the gospel truth that they are loved and chosen, not because they are perfect, but because they are in need of God's love and grace.