Infant love

“We human beings are much more guarded with our love than God is. We have trouble believing anyone really loves us fully. We worry that if they ever discover our secret faults, they will change their minds! We also know that love makes us vulnerable to hurt, so we are reluctant to spend our time and affection on someone who is unlikely to reciprocate. As a consequence, we persuade ourselves not to expect too much, so that we won’t be disappointed.

“But in the midst of this bleak assessment, the prophet Hosea suggests one situation where we come close to experiencing the same kind of unconditional love that God has for us: parenthood. When we become parents – or when we come into close contact with an infant, for that matter – our hearts are stirred with a sense of love that is unique for its innocence, purity, and forcefulness. We love this tiny human being simply for himself, not because of his achievements, or even his potential. Somehow, this little child brings out the best in us.” – Word Among Us, June 2009