“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

This past weekend had us spending time with some of our kids and grandkids. Being an affectionate bunch, greetings and hugs are a standard. When a grandchild comes through the door I don’t just holler, “hey!” from across the room. I get up, walk to the door, bend down and give them a big hug and an excited “WELL HELLO! And HOW are YOU doing? I’ve MISSED seeing YOU!” They KNOW they are loved and welcome here. Then they run to the toys!

Usually, there will come a time in their visit when I will ask them the question…”Hey… who loves you?” It is a simple and fun way to remind them of my heart towards them. More often than not, I will get, in response, “Gigi!” their pet name for my wife! It’s a game we both know very well, because what happens next is EXACTLY what they expect!

The laughter starts when I chase them, which is what they want. When I catch them I ask again.. “who loves you?” If they started the game, they will say again…”Gigi!” Which is a signal for the tickling to begin! After a short while, and while they are giddy, I’ll ask them the question again and get… “Papa!” MAYBE! And here is where I have to be VERY discerning!

We have all been tickled and laughed while enjoying the game. We have all experienced that point where tickling becomes torture! There have been OODLES of article written on the subject that any discerning parent should know. ‘Fun’ can easily become ‘fury’ when the line of ‘force’ is crossed. Fun can easily become rebellion. It is a fact that God knows all too well.

It is easy to coerce a verbal response out of someone weaker. Push them past the point of comfort and their WORDS may change. But the inner heart of a child is precious and tender. Pressed too far, rage and rebellion can easily become an unwelcome response. God, being infinitely strong, could EASILY FORCE us to bow to His demands… if He wanted to. But the response would be the opposite of what He really desires.

God wants me to love Him voluntarily. He wants me to GIVE Him my heart, and REFUSES to TAKE it if I don’t. Even God knows where the line is drawn. That is why I felt drawn to today’s verse when it dropped into my spirit. It was as if God was asking me… “HEYYYY…Who loves ya?” I realize after all these years that He is asking for the both of us! It is my honor to respond with my life!