Obsessing that I don't love God enough

[Celticroots]

Last night, my OCD was driving me crazy. I gave into a compulsion when I went onto this Christian chat thing and asked questions. The verse that says that "even the devils believe" was really concerning me.

The person who wrote me back said belief was not enough, that you had to love God and have a desire to follow Him when you accepted Christ. I said that I do love God and that when I accepted Jesus, it was because I had a desire to follow Him, wanted Him to take control of my life. She said "it seems like you love God, but only He knows."


So then I started obsessing about whether or not I really love God, about whether I had accepted Him out of love for Jesus. Since I have been getting closer to God, it seems like things have gotten better. But I know we don't come to God for things to get better, we come to Him because we love Him. I love Him for all the things He has done for me, and what He will continue to do.

I am making an effort to read my Bible every day and to talk to God in prayer. But now OCD is screwing things up.

When my OCD took on religious themes before, I was so upset I turned to self-harm. (not the best idea) I know.

I am not sure what I am asking. I just wanted to get this out.

 

[RoseWater]

It's clear you love God, but I wouldn't worry so much about whether you love Him enough or not. The only reason why we even love Him is that he first loved us. God is love, He loves you unconditionally. So we love Him back in our humanness, brokenness, and in OCD. He knows about this fallen world we live in, and all the mental or health issues that come with it, so don't worry. He is understanding, patient, and kind toward you. Let the fear go, and just bask in God's love.

"We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

 

[RuthD]

It's clear you love God, but I wouldn't worry so much about whether you love Him enough or not. The only reason why we even love Him is that he first loved us. God is love, He loves you unconditionally. So we love Him back in our humanness, brokenness, and in OCD. He knows about this fallen world we live in, and all the mental or health issues that come with it, so don't worry. He is understanding, patient, and kind toward you. Let the fear go, and just bask in God's love.

"We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

 

[veryworried]

God loves you beyond measure, just remember that, and pray to him that he will draw you closer in fellowship. You will start to see results. Trust God with this issue, it will get better.

 

[Celticroots]

Thank you everyone. Your answers make me feel considerably better!

 

[veryworried]

That's great!

 

[OCD=Owie]

Bear in mind that there is a big difference in attitude between you and demons. Clearly, you want a relationship with God. The demons do not. That verse refers to those who know, at least in some part of themselves, that there is a God, but who are unwilling to submit their life to Him. It isn't referring to people whose "love meters" aren't high enough.