You are my favorite
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age. Genesis 37:3 NIV
I read an article in Time Magazine titled, "Playing Favorites". After several years of research from multiple doctors, the conclusion was that parents aren't telling the truth when they say that they "love us equally". The author said, "Never mind what your parents told you. They had a favorite child. And if you have children, so do you." In an ironic twist, only one paragraph was dedicated to the least loved children. The rest of the article talked about how hard it is for the favorite child and why parents are hardwired to love one, more than the other.
If you feel your parents did not love or understand you, the effects can be devastating. I think the less loved ones are at greater risk for social anxiety, depression and self esteem issues. And even if you struggle with these types of issues, I ask you to seriously consider this; God loves you. Okay, I know what you're thinking. "God has to love me because that is His job. It is what he does." But that isn't entirely true. God chooses to love us not because we are the best genetic choice or because we are smart, witty or attractive. He chooses us because of who He is, not who we are.
I can't stop the hurt you feel if you were neglected or unloved. But I would ask you to let that hurt drive you to Christ. You are safe and fully loved in His hands. He will never push anyone away that comes to Him. Jesus says that, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). In God's eyes, you are His favorite. You are the apple of His eye.
In our family, my brother was the favored one.
ReplyDeleteI found out that it was not the whole truth. He was the first born after nine years of not being able to have a baby. So he was the celebration to my parents . At 43 years of age, I found out from my relatives, that my mother favored me. For years I kept trying to prove myself.
It was always a struggle until put it in the hands of God. Like your blog suggest, I know that God loves me.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that about you Wil. But you shared a profound answer, that you were favord and that your brother was a celebration. The two things really do go hand-in-hand, each child being wanted and special for different reasons. And I take rest that it is probably the same with God. Each of us are special and loved, for different reasons and for differing purposes. The other thing that gives me solice is that once God decides, He doesn't change His mind. If He has decided to love you, you are loved forever!
ReplyDelete