For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Rom. 5:10)

Many of us have heard a well-meaning Sunday school teacher or parent saying to children, “If you’re a good little boy or girl, Jesus will love you.” That may sound sweet, but it is spiritual poison. Telling children that Jesus loves them because of their behavior is totally contrary to the gospel.

Jesus does not love any child, young or old, because the child is good. Jesus loves his children because he is good. The child trained to obey Jesus in order to secure his love will become the adult who doubts Jesus’ love – especially when life’s challenges make it clear that we are not always good little boys and girls.

Jesus really does love you, not because you are good but because he is good! Trust his goodness more than your own and teach your children to do the same.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for loving me, not because I am a good person but because you are a good, gracious, and merciful God. Help me today to respond to your grace by loving you more deeply and helping all of the children that you place in my life to do the same.