Just Loves
It is the first thing I hear in the morning, the last thing I hear before bed, and about a hundred times in between.
Three simple words from my seven-year-old son, who happens to live with Down syndrome:
"I love you."
He says it when I'm at my best and when I'm not. He says it when I've spent quality time with him and when I've been distracted. He says it after a great day and after a hard one. I don't have to earn his affection or convince him that I'm worthy of it. He simply loves.
There is something beautiful and humbling about that kind of love.
As I listen to him, I'm often reminded of Jesus.
So much of life teaches us that love must be earned. We perform, achieve, prove ourselves, and strive for approval. We often carry that mindset into our relationship with God, believing that His love grows when we're doing well and shrinks when we fail.
But Scripture tells a different story.
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." — Romans 5:8
Before we had anything to offer, before we had cleaned ourselves up, before we had figured things out, God loved us. Not because we earned it, but because love is His nature.
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" — 1 John 3:1
My son's love is a small glimpse of that reality. He doesn't keep score. He doesn't require me to prove myself every day. He simply offers love freely and generously.
Isn't that what Jesus does?
His love is not transactional. It is transformational. He loves us where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there. His affection is not based on our performance but on His character.
When I hear those three words throughout the day—"I love you"—I'm reminded of an even greater voice speaking over my life. The voice of a Savior who demonstrated His love on a cross and continues to pursue His children with grace.
Today, if you're tempted to believe that you must earn God's approval, remember this: His love began long before your achievements and remains steadfast despite your failures.
Like a child who loves without condition, our Heavenly Father's heart is turned toward us.
And through Jesus, He has already said the words we most need to hear:
"I love you."
Prayer
Father, thank You for loving me with a love that I could never earn and never deserve. Help me rest in Your grace instead of striving for Your approval. Open my eyes to the reminders of Your love that You place in my life each day. May I receive Your love fully and reflect it generously to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
