When my older son was about twelve months old I was holding him on my lap as together we gazed out upon an African landscape from a high rocky point. As I pointed out things to him I remember thinking I shouldn’t have any more children because every bit of love I was capable of generating was centered in that boy. I didn’t understand until the next son sat on my lap. Then I realized I had a whole new reservoir of love.
Years ago someone ignorantly asked me which son was my favorite. Which son did I love the most? There is no most. There is no equal. Each love experience is so unique it is impossible to measure or compare. Uniqueness is the key to understanding. As they are different so my love for them is different.
One of the most horrifying movies I have ever seen is Sophie’s Choice, where in order to save one son the Nazis forced her to choose. If she did not choose they would kill both. It has been years since I have seen that but just thinking about it still rings my heart with horrific pain. It would be the ultimate hell.
And so it is that our Father God loves billions. There is a huge and natural temptation for each church, group, nation, denomination, race, etc.to think they are God’s favorites. To even think such is an indication they have yet to comprehend Jesus telling us to begin our prayers with “Our Father.” Just as you are a unique being so is His love for you unique.There is no more or less. There is no better or worse. There are no favorites. There is unique.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 28, 2008
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org