If You’re Not Feeling Loved

If you’re not feeling loved by someone you love, take courage in
the story of Leah in Genesis. Jacob, Leah’s husband, did not love
her. In fact, what’s even worse, he loved her sister, Rachel,
instead. Leah named her first three sons out of her hope and desire
for her husband to love her, thinking if she bore him sons he would
love him. She named her first “Reuben” which means, “Look, a son,”
saying, “Now my husband will love me.” She named her second son
“Simeon” which means “listening” because she felt the Lord heard
her prayer for Jacob to love her. She named her third son “Levi”
which means “joined together” because she believed this time her
husband will finally be joined to her. By the time she had her
fourth son, she named him Judah, which means “may God be praised.”
She finally stopped trying to make Jacob love her, and instead she
let go and let God take over. It’s no coincidence that Jesus would
be born from the line of Judah. Some people love people the way
they know how to love, and the beloved just doesn’t notice. A
father may love her daughter through acts of service rather than
words of affirmation or quality time. Others may simply not love
you, but that does not mean you’re unlovable. You’re chosen by God
for a reason only you can know. Do not wait for someone else to
give you the love that God the Father has already given you.