I love her. Shhh. It’s not my wife…well, I love her too, after all, she is a big part of my new love. Last week we welcomed home our first daughter. To be honest, I am still scared to death as to what that means. Please join me in my prayers (and I’m sure the prayers of every dad out there) that long dresses and turtle necks will come back in style before she reaches the teenage years!
In all seriousness, I love my daughter and she has done NOTHING to deserve that. In fact she has cost me sleep (my wife more than me). Speaking of costs, do you realize how much it costs to have a child. And that is before you get them home. She has, in just a few days time, gone through an entire box of diapers. She can’t talk or walk so she is completely dependent on my wife and I. She has gotten louder as her lungs have gotten stronger. We have to lug her around everywhere we go, if we go anywhere because in some ways she keeps us chained to the house. But I love her. I love every moment with her. She is beautiful. Even that belly button thing that is about to fall off. So to recap, I love her not because of anything she has done, in fact she’s pretty needy. I love her because she is mine.
That is how God’s love works for us. It is not based on what we do or don’t do. God loves us unconditionally. He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). God loves us regardless of the mess we make (Romans 5:8-10). And let’s face it, we make some pretty big messes with our sin. Don’t we? And the good news is there is nothing we can do to change His love for us (Romans 8:38-39).
If you have a few minutes check this video out that deals with this love. The song starts at about 50 seconds but the intro is fun so enjoy.
all about Christ,
David
Well said brother David.
ReplyDeleteI have always understood Gods love in that way as well.
My dad once said to me...
"Son, I finally figured out how it is that God loves us. Take for example your daughter, you love her more than anything. You try to teach them right from wrong, you set rules for her to obey, but even when she breaks every single rule and she disappoints you, you still love her any way".
I was shocked at his reasoning, he is not saved but he understands how God loves him anyway.
I have always thought about that. Your blog entry is so encouraging. You said it best when you said...
"It is not based on what we do or don’t do. God loves us unconditionally."
until the whole world hears!
Paul Clayborn
I have been a dad for almost 7 years now. There is nothing like it! Thanks for reading and for the encouragement Paul.
ReplyDeleteSmall update...that belly button thingy fell off. :D
ReplyDelete