‍The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. John 14:21b NIV

Sounds simple: be loved. I think we make it about looks, or smarts, or what we have – trying to be loved for who we think we should be.

Before school age, children have no concept of this. They just are – take ‘em or leave ‘em, but oh how they thrive on being loved.

Probably one of the reasons Jesus welcomed children – no agendas, just wanting to bask in His love. And there it is: His love. So immense.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 NIV

Yet, daily I complicate it. I look in the mirror and hate the loss of youth. Men in our lives look at their position or bank account and count themselves losers. Teens cave to pressure and do the drugs, or sex, or latest whatever just wanting to be loved for themselves.

It’s the great lie from the great deceiver. Always whispering: ‘not good enough’.

Just remember:

Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 CEV

With God, it’s not our ‘good enough’. The Father doesn’t withhold His love for any reason. So much loving the world – He was willing to let His Son die for it.

Ugly and sinful. Ungrateful and selfish. A world full of broken hearts. But the Mender came. Cupping faces of unsightly and calling them beautiful. Holding hands of outcasts and telling them they belong.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 NIV

Lifting us out of all that pulls us down – brushing aside tears and staring in our eyes. ‘Be loved my little one, for you are my beloved.’

Oh Father, Thank You for loving us so. Show us how not to make being loved – and loving others – conditional. Help us let Your love freely flow through us so that it gushes out and welcomes others. You are the Lover of our souls, may we accept it as Your beloved child. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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