Kris Vallotton • February 28, 2017

Love Experienced and Unexplained

WHEN I FELL IN LOVE WITH KATHY

Have you ever been in love? You know, the can’t sleep, can’t think, not hungry kind of love? I’ll never forget the day I met Kathy lying on a raft in the middle of a lake in Nice, California. That girl took my breath away! I was in love, and passion was awakened in me! There was no way I could explain what I was experiencing, but I certainly tried. I would spend hours talking to anybody who would listen to me as I tried desperately to explain the love I felt for Kathy. As you can imagine, the only people who understood me were those who themselves had the same experience. I’m sure some of you have found yourself in the same position, head over hills and wanting to scream your love from a mountaintop! And for some strange reason, other people just don’t seem to get as excited as you are about it. If romantic, human love has to be experienced to be understood, then how can the love of God be explained before it’s experienced?

EXPERIENCING THE LOVE OF GOD

Just what are we missing when we limit our experience of God’s love to the definition we think we understand? God’s love is so much bigger than being able to quote John 3:16. The apostle Paul prayed for the church that “[the Father] would grant you . . . to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16–19).

Oh man, that’s a mouthful! Did you feel it? Did you see it? Did you get it? Wow! We are supposed to be rooted and grounded in love. The core foundation of everything we believe, do, say, live, and experience must flow from love, be motivated by love, and be grounded in love. Beyond that, we are not to be rooted and grounded in just any love, but in the agape love of God that must be experienced to be comprehended (agape is the Greek word for God’s love).

But wait, it gets better! You are also invited to comprehend the love of God that’s beyond comprehension. Check it out one more time: “to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.” This is the place where the infinite transcends the finite, the supernatural infuses the biological, and the heart is enlightened to the secret dimensions of His passion for you! You heard me right; He is wild about you! He didn’t just die for you; He lives for you. In fact, He lives in you, around you, and through you. God is all about you! I don’t mean you are all He has; I just mean you are His favorite. Here are a few of my favorite truths about God’s love:

1. He tells you secrets the angels wish they knew (1 Peter 1:12).

2. You are God’s inheritance (Ephesians 1:18).

3. You are His son or daughter—His child—and part of His cosmic family (Romans 8:12–25).

4. You are the only creature ever made in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26), to be redeemed by the death of God Himself (John 3:16), and allowed to carry His glory (John 17:22).

5. You are the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8), the hope of His glory (Colossians 1:27), and the bride of the Bridegroom (Revelation 21:2).

6. God rejoices over you with shouts of joy (Zephaniah 3:17).

7. No one and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38–39), and anyone who messes with you must answer to Him (Romans 8:31).

THE POWER OF EXPERIENCING GOD’S LOVE

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched people crumble under the revelation of God’s love for them. Often, in the midst of counseling people, I have told them that they need to experience the love of the Father. This must be some sort of unwritten signal for them to unleash a torrent of Bible verses because, almost without fail, believers feel compelled to quote every verse they have ever memorized from the Bible on the subject of love. When their surge subsides, I usually quietly lay my hand on their shoulders and ask the Father to show them His love. The responses are often dramatic and shocking. I’ve observed several of them falling out of their chairs onto the floor as waves of the Father’s love encompassed them. Others laughed uncontrollably for hours as God revealed layers and layers of His love for them. I have witnessed thousands of people touched by the extravagant love of God, freed from the bondage of sin, released from the prison of addictions, and healed in the depths of their souls. This is what happens when the revelation of Jesus’ love makes the eighteen-inch journey from the head to the heart. This is love experienced and yet not explained. This is it!

LET LOVE IN

I have a dream that each of us would create a culture that cultivates world-changers by loving unconditionally. Our love would be so incredibly deep that people would feel enveloped with a deep sense of belonging, and they would lose the fear of failure. For those of you who are reading today who have only heard of, but not fully experienced the love of God, I want to encourage you to open your heart proactively right now. I pray that the unconditional love of our Father would wash over you in wave after wave, taking you deeper and deeper into His embrace. I pray that you would feel lavished upon, known, seen and accepted in a way that you didn’t even know was possible. I bless you today with a knowing in your heart, not just in your mind, of how favored and chosen you are!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

THE BLOG

Discover more blog posts

Finding Purpose in Pain: The Hidden Gifts of Suffering

By Kris Vallotton • October 22, 2025

When life hurts, God is closer than you think. Learn how suffering shapes your soul and reveals His presence in your pain.

Kathy's Mother's Day Message

By Kathy Vallotton • May 10, 2025

As Mother’s Day approached, I knew there was no one better to speak into the heart of motherhood than my wife, Kathy. Her life has been a living picture of grace, sacrifice, and Spirit-led strength. I believe her words will bless you the way her life has blessed me. Kris - Today, I want to honor the incredible women who wear the title of “Mother” with grace, strength, and unwavering love. A mother is a guiding light. She illuminates our paths with wisdom and warmth. She is the gentle hand that nurtures us in our earliest days, the fierce protector who stands by us through life’s storms, and the unwavering supporter of our dreams. Many times, Mom, our sacrifices go unnoticed. We juggle countless responsibilities, often putting our own needs aside to ensure the happiness and well-being of our family. That’s just what Moms do! My joy has always come from serving others. What some people call exhausting, I call invigorating! Even when my kids were young, I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I've had, comforting one of my babies because, ‘only Mommy will do.’ Love wins every time! But love has stolen my heart over and over again. In the good times and in the bad, Jesus has always been by my side, my solid rock and my firm foundation. He has been there beside you too! That big “S” that you wear on your chest didn't happen by accident. The bible says that He will never leave me or forsake me. During all of my laughter and through my many tears, He has always guided me in every situation. So when you feel weak, remember He is right by your side. When you don't think that you can move another muscle, He is your biggest cheerleader. When you get into a spot where life feels like more than you can handle, take a look at what the Lord says about you! You are Tenacious. Your perseverance is remarkable. As a Mom, you consistently push through obstacles with unwavering commitment to your goals. You are Courageous. Mom’s often take bold steps, stand up to what they think is just, even when faced with opposition or adversity. You can do this! You are Radiant. The love of Jesus shines brightly to all those who you come in contact with, inspiring positivity and hope. You are Unstoppable. Mom, once you set your sights on a goal, you exhibit an unwavering drive to help your children pursue their dreams and desires. You are Fierce. With a spirit that is unyielding, as a Mom, you will protect your family at all costs. You are Inspiring. Moms believe in their kids. We believe that all things are possible with God and encourage our families to go where no child has ever gone before! Mom, you are the architects of our character, teaching us values of kindness, empathy, and resilience. With every hug, every word of encouragement, you instill in us the confidence to pursue our passions and overcome obstacles. Your laughter brings joy to our lives, while your tears remind us of the depth of your love. As a mom myself, I celebrate not just the role you play but the remarkable individuals you are. You are the heart of the family, the keeper of traditions, and the source of unconditional love. Each moment shared, each lesson taught, and every story told weaves an unbreakable bond that shapes who we are. To all mothers, whether near or far, biological or chosen, your impact is profound and everlasting. Today, we celebrate you, not just for the love you give, but for the incredible people you are. Happy Mother’s Day! Kathy Vallotton

Character and Gifting: Favor with God and Favor with Man

By Kris Vallotton • March 5, 2025

Have you ever felt called to a spiritual role but struggled to find your place in it? Perhaps you've experienced a divine moment where God revealed a prophetic gift in your life, yet you found yourself wondering why others don't seem to recognize or acknowledge it. This tension between divine calling and human recognition can be one of the most challenging aspects of walking in prophetic ministry. I've spoken with countless individuals who believe God has called them to be prophets, yet they feel frustrated when church leadership doesn't immediately recognize their office. They often share powerful testimonies of divine encounters or prophetic words that confirmed their calling. But here's the beautiful truth I've discovered: authentic spiritual authority requires both divine appointment and human recognition. Scripture shows us that even Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). This powerful verse reveals an important principle – spiritual authority flourishes at the intersection of Heaven's approval and earthly recognition. The Bible offers us profound wisdom about this journey of walking out our prophetic calling. Let's explore three essential principles that can help you navigate this path with grace and wisdom. 1. Understand the Process Between Anointing and Appointment King David's story provides one of the most powerful examples of the gap between divine calling and public recognition. When Samuel anointed David as king, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully – yet David didn't actually become king for fourteen years! During that time, he served faithfully, developed his character, and waited for God's timing. The journey between your prophetic calling and your public commissioning is not an accident – it's divine design. This season of preparation builds the character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity needed to carry the weight of prophetic authority. Just as David was anointed three times – once by God through Samuel and twice by the people – your prophetic gift may require multiple confirmations. Remember that if you have favor with God but not yet with leadership, pushing for recognition prematurely can lead to painful experiences. As Proverbs 18:16 reminds us, " A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. " Allow your gift to create the space for your ministry rather than trying to force open doors that aren't ready to receive you. 2. Avoid Self-Promotion and Political Maneuvering It’s important to realize that even though your gift is what gets you into the room, your character is the thing that keeps you there. There's a stark warning in Scripture about gaining influence through manipulation rather than divine timing. Absalom, David's son, shows us the danger of winning people's hearts through flattery, false promises, and undermining leadership. He created a following by positioning himself as more accessible and understanding than the established authority. In today's social media age, the temptation toward self-promotion has never been stronger. We can easily build platforms that elevate our image above our character. But true prophetic authority doesn't come through marketing yourself as an expert – it comes through humble service, consistent character, and divine timing. James 4:6 reminds us that " God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. " When we push for recognition prematurely or through manipulation, we may gain a position but miss the protection that comes with proper promotion. Like Joseph, who shared his prophetic dreams prematurely with his brothers, our lack of wisdom can create a much more difficult path to our destiny than God intended. 3. Embrace the Preparation Process The weight of the prophetic office is both invisible and substantial. I've witnessed many genuinely called individuals crumble under the pressure of premature promotion. The apostle Paul wisely instructed that leaders " should first be tested and then let them serve " (1 Timothy 3:10), and warned against laying hands on anyone hastily (1 Timothy 5:22). True preparation for prophetic ministry involves more than just having accurate prophetic words. It requires developing spiritual maturity, biblical understanding, relational wisdom, and emotional health. If you sense a prophetic calling on your life, embrace the preparation process with patience and humility. Serve faithfully where you are. Allow trusted leaders to speak into your life and development. Study the Scriptures diligently. And remember that the process between the promise and the palace is not just necessary – it's a gift that prepares you to succeed when your time comes. My prayer for you is that you would find peace in God's timing for your prophetic journey. May you grow in both favor with God and with people, allowing the Lord to develop in you the character needed to carry His voice with integrity. Let me be clear- the path to your prophetic purpose isn't just about reaching a destination – it's about becoming the person who can faithfully steward the authority that comes with it.

NEWSLETTER