Understanding God's Love: From a Mom's Perspective

I sat down this morning to write a loving note to each of my daughters explaining what was expected of them at home and giving them biblical basis for each responsibility. I started with Hannah (13) and explained that God's first commandment to us is to love one another. Then I explained the importance of having a heart of service, and moved to personal responsibilities. I felt led to confirm my love for her, and explained that God gave me the responsibility to teach her to be a young woman who loves Him, and who is a reflection of Him. It occurred to me that she may struggle with her identity in Christ as I have throughout my life. More often than I care to admit I wonder if God cares about me, how He could love me, why He would bother. I wrote this to her, and I wanted to share it because I know many people struggle with understanding God's feelings for them. For reference, Ava is our two year old daughter, Hannah's baby sister.

"I know you don’t really understand God’s feelings for us, and sometimes neither do I, but maybe this will help you understand it a little better. You, Leah, Matthew and Ava are my children and I love you all dearly. You are much older than Ava, and you see how easy it is to love her even though she is a pain sometimes. You also have an awareness of her that the younger kids don't have. Consider your love for Ava. If she does something that makes you mad, but then hurts herself, or is hurt by someone else – how does that make you feel? Are you quick to forget that she made you mad, and don't you want to run to her and give her comfort? How about when she is so cute and sweet and she throws her chubby little arms around you and hugs you SO tight? How about when she says she loves you - without you telling her to? She doesn’t really understand love or how to show you she really loves you, but when she says it, doesn’t it melt your heart? God knows that we don’t really know how to truly show Him we love Him. We disobey Him or make wrong choices, yet when we call to Him in need, He always runs to comfort us. When we say we love Him and really mean it, or try to love Him in our own way, I believe it melts His heart, too. We are made in His image, so our feelings for our children (or baby sisters) reflect His feelings for us. But, remember that He is perfect, so His love is perfect too! Think about this when you are trying to figure out who you are to God. Just as you are my child, you are also His!  

All my love, 

Mommy." 

I sat here with tears in my eyes as I realized that God recognizes my attempts to show Him that I love Him. I believe with all my heart that even though I don't have it quite right, He sees my pure intention and is thrilled, just as I am thrilled by my own children. As I grow in faith and obedience, my love and the ways I show it will grow too. Doesn't that just bless your heart?!?