One person said: “I do not want a God, who loves all including my enemies as my God. I need an exclusive God who only loves me.” Even the Jewish people thought that God should not love the non-Jews or the Gentiles. The Bible teaches God loves the whole world, all humanity that he sent His Son the Lord Jesus Christ to redeem humanity. (John 3:16)
Superiority complex: Some people presume God loves them immensely because they are great wonderful or intelligent. People belonging to higher caste assume that even God loves them, so all privileges belong to them. There are rich, who think they are blessed because God loves them and lives in luxury. They do not use their blessings to bless others. The Pharisees also had such mentality as evidenced in their prayer. (Luke 18:9-14) They had the habit of condemning others, priding their fasting and tithing that should result in God loving them. The Pharisee justified himself and was rejected.
Inferiority complex: Many people doubt and wonder if God could love a sinner like them. They even could not love themselves, but it is an amazing fact that God loves them. The commoner or sinner in the Parable stood afar off, beat his breasts, and pleaded for mercy. Few even go to the extreme of torturing themselves to earn the love, mercy, and grace of God.
Crime complex: Sadly, there are a few wicked who presume God loves them and that they could lead a wicked life. They claim: “God has given all these for me to enjoy.” Their enjoyment also results in the oppression and exploitation of others. Tyrants and dictators in history have claimed a divine mandate for their reign that included atrocities.
Knowing and Believing: The appropriate response is to know God, and His love, and experience it with humility and gratefulness. God’s love calls for repentance from sins and is received in faith. Paul challenges the believers to fathom the height, depth, width, and length of God’s love. (Ephesians 3:18)
How have I experienced God’s love?