Learning to Be Loved
His love cascades over us!
“In love he chose us before the laid the foundation of the universe! Because of his great love, he ordained us, so that we would be seen as holy in his eyes with an unstained innocence.
For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace—for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure!” Ephesians 1:4-6
One thing loving foster children has taught me is that no matter how much you love someone, you can't make them feel loved. Some people don't know how to feel loved or can't yet, in their place in life. Then, there are times they aren't willing to accept love from a particular person. They have to be willing to accept, receive, or believe it. I know foster children that don't think they were loveable, even when a sibling they love is saying it or showing it.
What about you?
Do you feel loved when others express love to you through actions, looks, words, or presents?
Do you allow yourself to feel loved?
Many naturally learn to feel loved as they grow up, but I wonder if it is also something we need to practice.
It is easy to be critical of ourselves, but when children see how we can give and receive love and forgiveness, they will be able to begin building their bridge to being able to give and receive love and forgiveness.
It reminds me of the saying, "You can't give what you don't have."
We all want our children to feel loved, happy, and at peace in their childhood, but what about you? What about me? If we take a breath, we realize we want to feel loved, happy, and at peace too. It's essential for everyone's emotional and mental health, but more importantly, it creates a place of belonging where we can accept that life is messy.
People you love will hurt you, and you will hurt them, even though that is not anyone's intent. It doesn't make us or them bad or less loveable. When we feel rejected or dismissed by people, it is essential to remember that nothing you can do will make God love you any less or love you any more.
Children absorb what they see in us. Their ideas and actions will flow from what they see.
How do your children see your life? Do you accept love and relax into the peace of being loved?
The Bible says God is love, so if we want to experience love with anyone in a deeper way, maybe we need to allow ourselves to just be in his presence, thinking about how he loves us and remembering all the ways he shows us his love.
As you listen to the song below, take a minute to ponder how many ways God acted in love for you before you were even born and now after you are here. He chose you before he made the universe!