I Love You, Too
I John 4: 19 “We love because He first loved us.”
I have so many wonderful memories of my parents. Looking back, I marvel at the stamina it took for them to take all six Cato children to the grocery store, each of us fighting to push the buggy. During my high school years, the entire Cato clan vacationed for a month in New England in a station wagon with a pull-behind camper. (Crazy, right?) And, I smile recalling our daily family devotionals being led by my Father as he sipped a cup of coffee. Seriously, as a parent now, I wonder how much caffeine they must have consumed while raising six children.
As wonderful and amusing as these are, none of these top my list of most favorite memories. My absolute favorite memory of my parents is recalling how every single conversation we ever had ended with three little words: “I love you.” Always, my response was, “I Love you, too.”
Have you ever considered what the words, “I love you, too” indicate? Simply put, it indicates that someone loved you first, and your intention is to let them know that you love them, also. If someone does not indicate they love you first, you would simply say, “I love you” and omit the word, “too.”
What is the significance of this in light of our relationship to God? It’s important for us to determine who loved first, God or mankind? I John 4:19 tells us that our wonderful Father God loved first. He loved us so deeply and in such amazing ways, we struggle to comprehend. His remarkable love serves as an example of how we ought to love others.
Jeremiah 1:5 says that God knew us BEFORE he formed us in our mother’s womb. So, just as parents who adore their baby long before that baby ever draws its first breath, God loved us long before we were on this earth. And, like earthly parents who will stop at nothing short of perfection to provide a beautiful and safe environment for their child, God made sure from creation his children would have a beautiful world filled with everything needed to thrive. And where any earthly parent would give their life for the life of their child, God did the impossible; He willingly gave the life of His Son. There’s no debate that GOD LOVED US FIRST! It’s why our response should be, “We love you, too, Father!”
Years have passed since I have heard my sweet parents say, “I love you.” My role has changed and I find myself in the role of parenthood. Like my parents before, I never end a conversation with my children without saying, “I love you.” And indeed, I loved them long before I ever laid eyes on them. And, my heart soars when I hear them respond, “I love you, too, Mom”
Father God, WE LOVE YOU, TOO!
Blessings of Abundant Love,
Rita