That was the question, an aching appeal, a cry of a sad heart.
Children can be so difficult, argumentative and surly.
They question everything.
They take up space and create messes.
Interrupt. They wreck things that once were beautiful.
Children don’t deserve our love.
Do they?
Why do I love you, I answered? Because you are my child. You were a gift to me and I think you are perfect. Nothing you ever do will change that because you are mine. My lovely child. It’s unconditional. Do you know what that means? That you can’t earn it. And you can’t lose it. I love you.
And still, a little later, she returns. She wants the reassurance. The reasons that I love her because she feels so utterly unworthy.
Sounds familiar.
I am often asking God why do you love me? What can I do to earn or deserve your love?
And God says …
Why do I love you? Because you are my child. You were a gift to me and I think you are perfect. Nothing you ever do will change that because you are mine. My lovely child, beloved. It’s unconditional. Do you know what that means? That you can’t earn it and you can’t lose it.
I love you.
That’s why we celebrate the birth of Jesus because of what he did for you and me.
Logic & Imagination 
Two Corrections: No you don’t think your children are perfect. (Because they’re not.) But you do love them. And no God doesn’t think or suggest that we are perfect. Because we’re clearly not. But God does love us.
If children hear us say we think they are perfect, they (smart creatures) probably won’t believe it, because it’s not true. And that might be a reason why they would ask again whether we love them and why.
Being loved in spite of obvious imperfection is beautiful, the way God’s kingdom is beautiful.
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When I said “perfect” I don’t mean without mistakes or human imperfections. I mean approved and absolutely excellent, beyond compare and suitable. That God doesn’t see all my imperfections and mistakes. And my love for my children isn’t based on their making good grades, or treating others kindly, or being good and behaving well. I meant that my daughter wouldn’t need to change anything in order for me to love her. That seems really simple and clear to me. She came back and wanted to know more is simply a reflection of her not understanding unconditional love.
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Yes, we all need reassurance sometimes, don’t we? I love that God gives us do many verses that can do just that. I have gotten in the habit of saying to my children not just “I love you” but “I love you always and forever.”
Great words for Christmas Melody!
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Thanks Steph, one of these days I am going to make it over to your blog and spend some time reading… I appreciate you reading mine.
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I think the word perfect is often times misused, or misunderstood. I think you used it perfectly here in this post. Thank you for the reminder of the paradox…no amount of perfection striving will make God love me more, He has made me perfect, and loves me perfectly.
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I know you haven’t had time to read my first comment. I thought about it, and it sounds a little combative toward the one who corrected you. I don’t mean for it to be. I just wanted to add my two cents about perfection because it is an idea I myself struggle with, which is why these posts are so meaningful. Thank you.
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Thanks Cassandra! Busy holidays and no time online. I appreciate that you understand the tension in the word, what Christ does for us and who we are in him. I didn’t find your other reply combative but then you agreed with me, so easy for me to say.
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