Job 22:2-3

"Can a vigorous man be of use to God, Or a wise man be useful to himself? Is there any pleasure to the Almighty if you are righteous, Or profit if you make your ways perfect." NASB

Job was a man whom God loved and declared "he is blameless and upright." (Job 1:8) However, God allowed a severe trial to come into his life for the strengthening of his faith and deepening of his walk with God. His friends, attempting to comfort him, ended up speaking discouraging and wrong things to him. This quote, though spoken in a wrong motive, is quite true. Job was no more or no less useful or pleasurable to God then anyone else because of his righteousness and faithfulness. God's love for him was based on a pure, unchanging motive. This is true for us as well. Do you know that your value to the Lord is no better or worse because of your abilities, faithfulness, or adherence to some rules and laws? Do you know that there is nothing you can do to make yourself more valuable or loved by God? Romans 5:8 states it clearly that " God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God already gave the greatest sign of His love ever while we were still sinning! His love won't change based on any change in us. While our obedience and devotion makes us walk in the places where God can bless us, it doesn't change the depth of His love for us. You don't have to strive to make God love you more and you don't have to fight to be loved more then the next person. God already loves you completely, you just have to walk in it. Seek the Lord, walk in His love, and the rest will come.