“I love you. I am for you. I enjoy you”
This powerful phrase comes from my husband’s mouth often as he speaks to our children.
I hadn’t realized the weight of the words until he first directed them at me. There was something to it. I am loved. This I know, but one can never hear it enough. Someone is for me, really cares, works for my best. And maybe the most striking of all – I am enjoyed, even when I don’t feel enjoyable. To believe that my husband, and not to mention God, enjoys me was… profound.
I’ve started saying it too with our little ones and the response is amazing. It is particularly effective in moments of disobedience or discipline. In that instant when our children feel most rebellious or want nothing to do with us they hear these words. I love you. I am for you. I enjoy you.
We say it in our home because it reflects the truth of God. Without sending a deep theological lesson over the heads of our very young children, we’re able to teach and tangibly show them (though imperfectly) a glimpse of the love their Heavenly Father gives. As children of God, because of what Jesus did in taking the punishment for our sin on the cross, a whole new existence is made possible. We are loved by God. He is for us. And he enjoys us. Let it sink in.
When we ask our sons to do something, to obey when they don’t feel like it, we look them in their eyes and remind them of these three things. We have them repeat it, believe it.
Trust is made easier for them, and for us. They are loved, there is someone for them, and they are enjoyed.
And so are we.
For further reading…
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
About Katy Rose
Thanks Katy!
Thank you, Alli!
I think I’ll give those words a try!
Thanks for reading, Maria!
Appreciate the simple tangible wisdom this morning! I think it’s a great way to start showing God to our little ones! Thanks
Thank you, Michelle!
I love this! I’ve struggled to find ways to teach my youngest ones the love of Christ without going over their heads or reading them memory verses that are too abstract for them to grasp. Thank you so much!
I’m so thankful you were encouraged. I appreciate you sharing!
so simple and so true. A great little nugget for those busy mamas in the early years…
Thanks, friend
Love this Katy! You are such an encouragement. Thankful for your words, friend.
This is an important message! I tried this out last night with my son, after reading this for the first time, and was surprised how quickly MY heart was softened toward him during a time of high frustration. And that is what I want – to discipline in love, not anger or frustration, which is where I’ve been lately. Words are so powerful. thank you for sharing Katy!