As Easter approaches, I’m revisiting a message I first shared a few years ago. If you’ve ever felt less loved when others seem to have more, this truth is worth remembering…
“Did you feel less loved because you had less toys?” I asked my son who’d just told me the reason he didn’t invite friends over was because we didn’t have many toys.”
“One of my friends asked why I didn’t have many toys.”
My daughter piped in, “I bet I know who.” My son nodded at the name.
“Yeah, they had lots of toys,” she said.
Growing up, I played with dolls and balls. But climbing trees and creating an imaginary world out of what I could find were my favorite forms of entertainment. And back in olden days, I don’t remember large stores dedicated to toys. So I guess I assumed that was enough for my children too.
Gary Chapman’s book 5 Love Languages points out we express and feel love in different ways. He identifies five love languages: acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, and receiving gifts. Good news for some husbands: your wife may feel more loved by a sincere compliment than a piece of jewelry.
On the other hand, we overlook expressions of love that don’t meet our expectations. A wife may dismiss her husband’s thoughtful texts because he didn’t help clean the kitchen. A husband overlooks his wife’s delicious meal because she let the kids distract her during the meal.
I considered my son’s words. I’d given up a ministry role I enjoyed to home school him when he struggled in school. The decision to step out of my comfort zone cost me hours each day plus an investment in educational programs and personal training. Of course, he couldn’t know what that gift cost me, and doing schoolwork didn’t feel like love to him.
As we celebrate Easter, I’m reminded of God’s love. When others seem to have more toys or less loss than we do, we may forget what God has done for us and what His love cost Him.
Let’s review His love and the cost.
Jesus gave up heaven and temporarily set aside the perks of deity to become human so you can have heaven (Phil. 2:5-8).
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9 NIV).
Jesus didn’t want to become sin and die. If there had been another way to save you He wouldn’t have gone to the cross (Heb. 5:7-9).
He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (Luke 22:44 NLT).
He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’
He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’
Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, ‘My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.’
So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again” (Matt. 26:38-39, 42-44 NLT).
Jesus endured the cross because He loved you more than He despised the pain and shame.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2 NIV).
Comparing my life with someone else’s or with my own expectations may lead me to conclude I’m less loved. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus paid the highest price in the universe for you and me. He loves us more than we can imagine.
When others seem to have more, it’s easy to feel less loved. Easter reminds us what God’s love actually cost. #Easter #Loved #Hope Share on XThere is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn. 15:13 NLT).
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Celebrating Easter!
Originally shared April 2022. May this Easter reminder encourage your heart today.
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Such a good perspective. Thank you!
Thank you, Meagan.
I needed to remember these words, process them slowly , meditate on them and thank God with my whole heart. Happy Easter.
Oh Whitley, what a sweet gift to Jesus. Have a blessed Easter!
Love this!!
Thank you Stephanie. Happy Easter!
All the material possession we have will someday pass away. Paul said he counted all his accomplishments as dung compared to the love of Christ. Jesus’ love will never pass away and far surpasses anything we can own or do. Thanks for this inspiring post, Debbie!
Barbara, that is so true. I think the perspective of years helps to see that more clearly too. But some never see it.
What a magnificent Savior we have!! Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter, Debbie.
Yes He is! And to you, Ann!
Great perspective Ms. Debbie. I bet if you were to ask your children now (assuming they’re grown up here), they would tell you that the time you spent playing, learning, and worshipping with them meant much more than what they played, learned, or attempted to worship with on their own did. Happy Easter my friend.
Thanks, J.D. Our children give us insight into our own childish viewpoints. And yes, I hope they’ve grown in their perspectives! Have a wonderful Easter!
What a great perspective. I get caught up In what I have and don’t have, rather than focusing on what God has given me. Thanks for the reminder.
Sarah, it’s easy to do. Happy Easter!
Amen Debbie, thank you for this blessed message today. With every spring comes an abundance of new life. May you experience the joy, happiness, and beauty of this Holy season. Happy Easter.
Visiting today from Inspire Me Monday #2
Paula, I love how nature sings God’s glory and message of hope. Happy Easter to you!
Excellent viewpoint we all need to remember …
Thank you, Jan. So easy to focus on tinsel when Christ has given us gold.
You made some wonderful points, Debbie. We cannot focus on the temporal over the eternal. Thank you!
Yes, the things that pass away look impressive while what Jesus has given us is sometimes invisible. But what riches He’s provided and at what cost.
Thank you, Debbie, it’s easy to look for love in the wrong places or ways. Resting in all Jesus did for us helps us realize the truth about love. If God spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how will he not give us all things? (Rom 8:32) What true love!
Love that Scripture, Donna! Happy Easter!
What a wonderful reminder not to compare ourselves to anyone else! And to recognize the price He paid for us. Thank you, Debbie! May you and your family have a wonderful Easter!
Thank you, Lisa. You too!
Hi Debbie,
What encouraging words! They have lightened my load tonight. Thank you!
Blessings,
Tammy
Tammy, you’ve brightened my day. Happy Easter!
I had a friend growing up who had all the fun toys and games and clothes. Thankfully she was also one to share them. 🙂
“Jesus loves us more than we can imagine.” So grateful!!!
A friend who shares her toys is certainly a gift. I’m grateful too!
Especially at this time of year as I meditate on His sacrifice for me – it is almost impossible to truly understand that depth of love but I am SO grateful for it!
Ann, I’ve been studying the book of Hebrews. It has given me deeper appreciation and understanding of our Lord’s plan and sacrifice. May you and your family enjoy a blessed Easter celebration.
I believe learning not to compare possessions (toys, cars, homes ,etc) or the way we look are two of the most valuable lessons children and adults can be taught. We do that by example and by helping them learn what is really important. These are not easy lesson to teach or learn at any age. My children experienced some of the same situations you describe (as did I as a child). Thank you for this loving message and reminder that God’s love for us is the greatest gift of all. Wishing you a blessed Easter, Debbie and family.
Katherine, I so agree. That draw to compare can sneak in when you least expect it. Blessings to you and your family this Easter and always.
Amen Debbie. Great and important message for us all to remember
Thank you, Yvonne. God bless you!