So, if the first step toward freedom is getting a deep, healing understanding of God’s love for us, the second step is knowing that God not only loves us, He likes us, too.
There is a big–yet subtle–difference between loving and liking someone. We love our family members. But we don’t always necessarily like them and want to hang with them, amen?
God not only loves you with a fiercely loyal, all-encompassing, never-going-away love, He also likes you. And He wants to hang with you.
Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20
When He created you, God took absolute giddy delight in choosing everything about you. He gave you your interests, your talents, your bizarre quirks and hobbies. He loves to read what you’ve written, to look at the pictures you’re taking, to hear what you have to say.
While it is important to keep a right and true sense of awe and humility before The Lord, I think it’s equally important to understand and revel in the fact that He likes us, and He wants to hang with us.
I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you… John 15:14-16
Try talking to God like a friend–just spend time with Him. Tell Him about what you’re working on, about how your spouse or coworker hurt your feelings today, about your fears and the things you’re excited about.
He likes you. He really, really likes you.
