Since the second day we received our foster son, there are three things that I tell him daily: We love you. God loves you. Jesus died for you.
I tell him, “We love you,” so he would know that he is safe, accepted in this world, and well cared for. I tell him this so he would know that we are here for him no matter what and that we are glad he came into our lives. I want him to know that he is part of our family for as long as God would have him with us and that today he is not rejected, discarded or unwanted. He is dearly loved.
I tell him, “God loves you,” so he would know that he is not forgotten in this vast world by the One who created it. I tell him this so that he would know the eyes of the heavenly Father are upon him and that no matter what brokenness, losses or pains he may have faced or will face, he is still and ever will be loved by God. I want him to know that his life was no accident, but everything about him and his story is a miracle. I want him to know that grace unbound is available to him.
I tell him, “Jesus died for you,” so that he would know the extent to which he is loved, that his Heavenly Father held nothing back from him. I also tell him this so that he would know he doesn’t need to be perfect. He can admit to being broken. He can feel lost sometimes. He can be flawed. He can because the Son of God died as an atonement for his sins to be the grace he needs in every broken part of his humanity. Whatever he may feel is lacking in himself, Jesus has accomplished for him by his sacrifice. I tell him this so he would know the incredible act of love that was done for him and that he can accept this grace if he chose.
So today, before he goes to sleep, I will tell my foster son, “We love you. God loves you. Jesus died for you.” Lately, he’s been responding to me with smiles and “coo’s”.
Brian See Chan 