We love because he first loved us.

~1 John 4:19 

What’s your response when someone says, “I love you?” I love you, too, of course.

For many years, I worked as a special education teacher. All my students had special needs, but I once had a little boy who was my “super special” one. He had multiple physical and cognitive challenges and needed help with almost everything. He was also one of the sweetest, most pleasant little guys I ever met.

During his fifth-grade year, I took him to the “big kid classes” for science and social studies to give him more exposure to the real world (and the real world more exposure to him). One day, my little buddy got restless as we sat in social studies. He snuggled up to me for reassurance, so I wrapped an arm around him and patted his back. He nuzzled closer and said, “I love you, too, Ms. Merrill. I love you, too.”

Although I hadn’t said the words to him, he could feel my love through my patient pats. I grinned and said, “I love you, too, Buddy.”

That sweet experience reminded me of something Bible teacher Beth Moore said. Instead of saying, “I love you, Lord,” we should say, “I love you, too.”

God Originated Love

Think about it. God started this whole love business. He vows to keep His “covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV). The love of Christ “surpasses knowledge, that [we] may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19 ESV).

God’s Love Is Everywhere

Everywhere we turn, God sings His love songs over us. Not in audible words but in both subtle and vivid expressions. The sun on our faces. The perfect song on the radio. A timely word of encouragement from a Christian friend. Promises fulfilled from His word. I have doubts about many things in this life, but I never doubt God’s love. 

Spend a few minutes writing down some of the ways God has shown His love to you. Keep the list handy for those days when human love seems lacking. Pour your “I love you too’s” to Him as you reflect on His perfect love. 

Lord, I choose to be a student of your love. I want to see, hear, feel, and taste it. I want every part of my being to be aware of and receptive to Your perfect love. Your love songs are a soundtrack for my life and a stabilizing force when the world feels shaky. Your love makes life sweet even in sour circumstances. It saved my life. Help me to love as You do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

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