The first rule

    “Rule number one: know you are liked and loved.” 

    This was the very first thing we would tell our kids during their service at church. Know you are liked and loved. We knew the importance of this. In fact, we held it in higher regard than listening to your leader or whoever was talking (the other two rules). We wanted our kids to know that this was a safe place, and they were welcome. 

 

    Unfortunately, Christians seldom remember this basic truth in today's world. We worry about offending our friends with The Gospel while missing something vital. We are also liked and loved, not just our children. In the same way we pour out love on children, Jesus pours infinitely more on us. He died on a real cross, went into a real grave, and took the price for our real sins. The result? A real love, proved in the most brutal way possible, intended to show us that we are indeed liked and loved. 

    But what's the point? Being loved is a weekly experience in Sunday school, but where's the deeper meaning? Think about this: a child in church will never open up about Jesus if they don't feel safe. The best way to promote a safe atmosphere? Help them feel liked and loved.

    The same principle can be applied outside of our children's programs. Adults will never believe the gospel if we, as Christians, don't live it. And if we aren't walking around as loved sons and daughters of Christ, other adults won't feel drawn to that love. We cannot spread the Gospel of Christ without first knowing Christ's love for us, for that love is where it began.

    “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son.” -John 3:16.

    Remember that you are definitely loved. When that truth becomes imprinted on your heart, the approval of people around you doesn't matter. Jesus did die for you and God does love you unconditionally, so let's start believing it and echoing Christ’s image like never before.