All that the father wanted both of them to know was how deeply they were loved. It wasn’t their obedience he wanted most, but their affection. As a parent of adult children, I understand that. There’s nothing I prize more with my children than those moments when we share the honesty and intimacy of friendship. When they know I love them, and they respond in love with me, there’s nothing better.

God feels the same way about you. He's not interested in your service or sacrifice. He only wants you to know how much you are loved, hoping that you will choose to love him in return. Understand that, and everything else about your life will fall into place; miss that, and nothing else will make any difference.

Adapted from Wayne Jacobsen’s book,  “He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection.”

Wayne Jacobsen is the author of He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection. Used with permission, courtesy of A. Larry Ross Communications.

Original article publication date: June 9, 2009