Love is Learned

Not Applicable (Paul Faulkner) — Fri, 19 May 2006 02:00:00 -0500

Can you see how God loves you as you hold a child in your arms?

Did you know that love is an emotion that really isn’t natural? Little babies are born with an instinct for fear and anger, but they are not born with love. When you frighten a little baby, he or she will jump and cry and get angry, but that child doesn't have love. You see, love is learned. It's learned from the holding, the nursing, the caring, the singing, and the warm touch of a mother and a father who take care of the child. Love is modeled. And the greatest model of love is Christ, who gave his life for you. Whether you are worthy is not the issue, any more than it's the issue for the little baby. That little baby you hold in your arms, you just love that child as she or he is - scared, angry, hungry, temperamental - no matter! You just love that child! And isn't that a beautiful description of how God loves you ... just as you are?

In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10 NRS)

About the author: Dr. Faulkner was the very first person of note and influence who shared his content with us at HEARTLIGHT.org beginning in 1996.

Paul Faulkner taught on the Abilene Christian University campus full-time for 35 years. He was honored in 1982 as the university's Teacher of the Year. He wrote several books and was a much sought-after speaker and seminar leader along with his Marriage Enrichment partner, Dr. Carl Brecheen. Dr. Faulkner mentored many ministers and church leaders, shared his loving homespun humor and wisdom through many channels, and endeared himself to thousands. Our dear friend and mentor went to be with the Lord in 2022, but his legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched and made better.

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