We’re God’s Children
The other day I got home from work, and the living room door was slightly open. I heard it open wider as I shut the front door, so I assumed it was my husband coming out of the living room. When I turned I found that it was actually Rhema. She started walking properly a few weeks ago on our second wedding anniversary, but this was the first time she’d walked out of the living room. I can’t explain how I felt when I saw her. I was so happy and so proud of her just for walking out when she heard me come in. The smile on her face was priceless and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment. It made me wonder whether this is how God views us. Many times we’re hung up on our imperfections and inadequacies when God doesn’t see imperfection and inadequacy when He looks at us. He sees a child that He is proud of.
I have never for one moment told Rhema off if she was trying to walk and fell over. I have never for one moment been annoyed at her for falling over or getting something wrong. Instead I pick her up, or hold back to see whether she can remedy the situation herself. And I celebrate every milestone, every tooth, every baby step, every word (which at the moment are: no, uh oh, and wow. Occassionally she’ll say thankyou and daddy) and every new trick she discovers.
God is like a parent. He just wants the best for us. He’s not looking to condemn us but to help us and encourage us. If only we knew just how much He loves us, maybe we’d beat ourselves up less.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!…” 1 John 3:1a (NIV).