“Can I hug you?” our 8-year-old son Kedar asked me this morning, to which I immediately responded with an enthusiastic “Yes, of course honey!” The most sensitive of all the four children, our gentle-natured son will give and request affection as frequently as he feels so moved.
And mommy loves it.
With a subtle smile, Kedar wrapped his arms around my waist and laid his head on my stomach for several seconds.
My heart melted Daily Cup family. I’m such a sucker for sweetness.
And then, Kedar’s display of love was imitated by his younger brother, Kaleb. Not to be outdone, he rushed in for a warm embrace. “I love you too mommy,” our six-year-old said softly.
Once again, inwardly, I went to pieces.
I was particularly moved by the fact that they chose to express their love, without me having to ask. I suppose I’m rubbing off on them, because I’m constantly giving away kisses, hugs, tickles, and “I love you’s” throughout the day.
I think it’s just nice to be nice, you know?
Earlier today, in fact, I was talking to my husband Kenya about this very topic. I told him one of the things that won me over when I met him was his kindness. He was one of the most gentle, compassionate, and thoughtful people I had ever met.
While other guys tried to woo me with the abundance of things they possessed and rendered as tangible gifts, Kenya gave the gift of kindness. For me, that meant much more. Every day, he was the same. And every day, I fell a little deeper in love, until I was head-over-heels for Mr. Hobbs.
And I still am 14 years and 4 kids later.
Love is a powerful thing, especially the love of our Father, God, which is the greatest love of all.
Unconditionally, He loves us. When others reject and mistreat us, He loves us. When we don’t love ourselves, He loves us.
I believe that receiving a true revelation of how much He delights in us, cares for us, and adores us, liberates us. It frees us from the search for acceptance, the need for validation, and the unhealthy craving of celebration from other sources.
Recognizing our worth and value to God is the thing that combats the enemy’s attempts to lower our sense of self-worth, esteem, and worthiness.
Simply put, to know God’s love, is to know your worth.
That’s why I’m stirring a very special prayer in your cup of inspiration today found in Ephesians 3:17B-19 NIV. It says, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup with an open heart, you will receive divine revelation of God’s loveand experience the fullness of God. And as a result of knowing Him in His fulness, you will be empowered to see, be, believe, and do all He has created you to accomplish in this earth.
Isn't that great news?
When you bask in the security of His love, dearly beloved, you'll know without a doubt you're equipped, capable, and chosen.
Now let's pray.
Father, I thank You for loving me the way You do. I desire even greater divine insight into the endless, passionate, unrestrained love You have for me. Please show me. And fill my heart with joy, peace, confidence and overwhelming splendor that comes with knowing that I am the priceless, precious, and prized possession of You, my Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!