Seated in the back of our church right outside our newborn nursery door I heard the cries of a baby. It wasn’t a loud cry but continued for some time.

I noticed a dad peeking through the half door window and asked, “Is that your little one?” He said, “No but I just dropped mine off for her first time.” He stood at the door motionless, eyes glued to his beloved daughter.

Another dad approached, peeking in the window. You could see the love in his eyes as he strained to see his precious child.

Suddenly he saw the dad beside him gazing through the window. It appeared they knew each other but had not connected for some time. They embraced each other and began sharing how their daughters had changed their lives. You could hear the joy and excitement in their quiet whispers.

My attention was drawn back to the message our pastor was preaching. His words penetrated my heart. “We do not have to perform to receive God’s love. We are just as if we never sinned because of Christ’s redemption. You’re a child of God.” 

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying out “Abba Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

The two dads remained motionless staring through the window. You could see the love, joy and delight in their expression as they beheld their children. Their immense love for them kept both dads present gazing through the window.

God loves us deeply. As human’s our love wanes in comparison to God’s. As my attention was drawn to the love and affection of these dads, I reflected on God’s love to us His children. 

He gave me this to share.” I am my children’s Father.  I provided my only Son, Jesus Christ to bring freedom to them. Do not be swayed by the natural, (what you see). Stand on me, I am the rock that will never crumble. I will provide their every need. I long to be in relationship with my children. I long for them to connect with me. Even when their brain is non-relational, I stay connected to them because I delight in being with them in their weakness. I will never leave them nor forsake them. We will journey together. I long for them to talk to me about every aspect of their life. There is nothing too small or too big for me. I am my children’s gentle protector. I love them in their weakness. I treat their weaknesses tenderly.” 

Do we see God as a loving Father or a harsh judge? I recommend the book Beyond an Angry God, You Can’t Imagine How Much He Loves You, by Steve McVey. 

Steve McVey writes, “The message of the gospel is the story of divine love. Anything else pollutes the pure stream of grace. This love is unconditional, unlimited and unending. It is the reason Jesus came into this world as the God-man who lived, died, was buried, rose from the dead, and ascended back to the Father on behalf of each of us. History really is His story of love for all humanity as evidenced by the Incarnation.”

Do we walk as children of the Most High God mindful of HIs love for us? Do we grasp how much He longs to be with us every moment of everyday?

What has God shown you today about His love? What are some ways that you are able to quiet and enjoy communion with your Father?