After my first daughter was born, I loved her so much that it almost hurt. I foolishly feared I might not be able to love our next child as much, or that I might have to divide my love between them to be fair. But when our second daughter arrived, I joyfully discovered that I loved her as intensely as I loved our first child, yet uniquely.

That discovery reminded me that our great God is capable of loving each of His children totally without taking any love away from His other children, for He loves each one uniquely. Therefore, every believer who asks for God’s help will receive it as completely as if there were no others needing His attention.

In Jesus’ life and teaching, we find ample evidence of this. In John 10, He declared that He is “the good shepherd” who calls, cares for, and knows His own sheep by name and is known by them (vv.3,11,14). Jesus then likened this relationship between shepherd and sheep to the relationship He enjoys with His Father (v.15). How special we are to Him!

In answer to those who would warn us against acting as if the Lord has favorites, I once heard a preacher say, “Of course God has favorites! We’re all His favorites!” As His children, we can be sure of His attention and love.  —JEY