Love

Love

For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.

Romans 5:10-11

My five-year-old son, Jordan, and I were walking home from the park hand in hand. He must have been enjoying our time together because he looked up at me and said, “Mommy, you’re loveful and beautiful and heartful.” “Jordan, would you say that again?” I asked as my heart did a little flip. “You’re loveful and beautiful and heartful,” he repeated. “Would you tell me that every day for the rest of my life?” I asked, laughing. Although I had never heard of loveful or heartful, I now think they are some of the most wonderful words in the language—Jordan’s five-year-old language. I am still warmed by the memory of his words.

As wonderful as Jordan’s words were, I realize that they were spoken on a day when he was five, life was wonderful, and Mom seemed perfect. On rare occasions when he repeats those words today (he’s now a young man who knows that life can be difficult and that Mom is not perfect), the words mean even more.

On days when I don’t feel particularly loved, secure, or confident, I remember God’s objective words. According to Romans 5:10-11, the love that prompted Christ to die for me while I was still his enemy is the same love that is available to me today through the presence of God’s Spirit in my heart. Those have to be the most loving words I’ve ever heard.

Father,

Thank you for sending your son to die for us. The only way we’ll ever begin to love others like you have loved us is by staying close to you. In the name of Jesus, amen.