This past Christmas season, my family watched a wonderful concert of M.W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Michael Tait. It was so good! The vocals were beautiful, the band professional and creative, the lights and special features very well-done. Best of all, the message was inspiring. Worshipfully, the entire concert focused on Jesus Christ. One of the talking points impressed me. So, as I’ve been pondering it, I decided to write an article about “love, like, and fond-of.”
This is the perfect material for Easter week.
Love, Like, And Fond-Of
You’re probably wondering what this phrase means. Essentially, it provides a fresh look at why we celebrate Christmas and Easter. Love, like, and fond-of is also remembering God’s incredible accomplishment through Jesus at Easter.
Michael W. Smith mentioned a friend who said something unique. Apparently, it impressed Michael, too. I don’t know this person’s name or I’d give them credit. However, it got my attention. His friend said – “God loves you. He also likes you. Further, He is quite fond-of you.”
Fond-of you! What an interesting expression defining how God sees you. That simple quote stuck in my head and touched my heart. Quite literally, it blessed my soul.
Let’s start with defining terms as we often do.
Dictionary Definitions:
Love – (There are many definitions, but we’ll focus on one). Strong personal attachment or deep affection for a parent, child, spouse, friend, or pet. Could also be toward an activity, special occasion, object, or experience.- Like – (Again, many definitions, but we’ll focus on one). Take pleasure in, find agreeable, regard with favor, to wish or prefer, to indicate enjoyment of, agreement with, or interest in.
- Fond-Of – For this one, let’s focus on some synonyms.
-
- Absorbed.
- Aroused.
- Delighted.
- Enamored.
- Excited.
- Thrilled.
-
Consider “Fond-Of“
Usually, most people can picture God loves them. My guess is – fewer people contemplate God likes them. But – fond of? I think very few consider God is fond of them.
Let’s look at each synonym we mentioned to explore what fond-of looks like. This is in the context of how God is fond of you.
Applying Definitions
- Absorbed – God is absorbed with you as a person, even with everything on His plate. Does that surprise you? Will you accept the encouraging reality that God is absorbed with you?
- Aroused – When you have a “dear” person in your life, you are naturally aroused to their personality, nature, needs, and likes-dislikes. You are attentive to them. This is precisely how God is with you. Ask yourself – do you believe God is aroused to your personhood and needs?
- Delighted – God is truly delighted in who He designed and created you to be. Additionally, He wants you to be correctly delighted in who you are. Accept that God is delighted in your life and purpose for each day.
- Enamored – God is charmed and captivated with you in a holy, mature way. Keep in mind, He has this response to everyone, with special blessing for anyone who puts Him first in their life. Be aware that God is enamored with you and wants you to know Him similarly.
- Excited – God is excited you’re alive. God loves you enough that He invested heavily on your behalf (the cross). Have you considered how excited God is to help you find and effectively live inside your life purpose?
- Thrilled – God is thrilled when you grow in godliness and healthy living. God’s heart rises with warmth, pride, and satisfaction at your well-being. Do you know God is thrilled when you trust and obey Him? Have you considered the deep pride He has for you when you rest in His grace and timing? Plus, do you show gratitude back to Him?
What About You?
You love some people. Others, you simply like who they are. You are fond-of a handful of folks. Occasionally, all three responses come together. When they do, it’s a very special relationship.
With absolute certainty, all three responses come together in God’s view of you:
God loves you. He also really likes you. Plus, He is genuinely fond-of you.
But – what about you? Do you love God? Do you really like Him? Further, are you genuinely fond-of Him?
Consider something with me. It’s important to you – and to God – that you do these things:
- Tell Him you love Him.
- Verbalize specifically how you like Him.
- Affectionately declare you are fond-of all He is and does in your life and in the world.
Honesty helps relationships grow deeper. God has no needs. You don’t need to take care of Him. Rather, it pleases Him when you’re in the center of His original design. Plus, it pleases Him when you say you love Him, like Him, and are fond-of Him. Do this with words and – more importantly – with your choices each day.
However, you do have needs. And turning to God about your needs opens the door to receive from Him. So –
- Express your love, like, and fondness to God to encourage your own spirit. (These are choices, not feelings.)
- Voice your commitments to Him – even out loud – for self-accountability.
- Speak the truth using Scripture to eliminate doubt about God’s intention to meet your needs.
- Conquer awkwardness and fear by courageously declaring you worship God.
Tell Him Often
How often should you tell God your love, like, and fond-of-Him? If you are aiming for a healthy, godly life, you should tell Him every day. Tell Him often! In fact,
When you open your eyes in bed each morning – tell God you love Him.- As you dress for the day – share your appreciation with Him for your robe of salvation.
- At breakfast, lunch and dinner – thank Him for all His provisions.
- When it comes to mind – between meals – express how you like Him as a trusted Friend.
- As you travel, tell God you cherish every mile you’ve traveled together in life.
- When you open your mail – whisper a “Thank You” for His Word and how fond-of it you are.
- At bedtime, getting into the comfort of your pj’s – express how much you like the comfort of His non-stop presence and friendship.
- Then, when you lay in bed as sleep comes – lift up heart-felt love and worship for the God who gave His life for you.
You get the picture. On my nightstand, I have a little card that says, “Before I rise or rest, come or go, I will make time and space for you, O God!”
So – YES – tell Him often how you love, like, and are fond-of the Lord your God. And remember how much God loves, likes, and is fond-of you!
Synonyms Of Worship
Consider the idea of worship. What comes to your mind when you think of worship? Spend a moment and reflect on this.
After considering your thoughts of worship, let’s explore synonyms of worship.
- Awe.
- Glory.
- Honor.
- Love.
- Praise.
- Regard.
- Respect.
- Reverence.
Did you notice the word “love?” Worship is to love God.
Next, notice the word “honor?” A synonym for “honor” is “esteem.” A strong synonym match for esteem is “like.” Worship is to like God.
Now, take another look and find the word “regard?” A synonym for “regard” is “fondness.” Interesting, right? So, worship is to be fond-of God.
Worship is all the words in the previous list – and more. Interestingly, several of those words provide strong ties to love, like, and fond-of. When you worship God, which of those synonyms represents you? Of course, you would likely include several of the words in our list. Do you include the most important word – “love?” Mk. 12:30 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.”
Do you also include the word “like?”
Incidentally, do you include the idea of “fond-of?”
Application Thoughts And Questions
- Will you accept the encouraging reality that God is absorbed with you?
- Do you believe God is aroused to your personhood and needs?
- Have you accepted God is delighted in your life and purpose each day?
- Are you aware God is enamored with you and wants you to know Him similarly?
- Have you considered how excited God is to help you find and effectively live inside your life purpose?
- Do you know God is thrilled when you trust and obey Him? Have you considered the deep pride He has for you when you rest in His grace and timing? Plus, do you show gratitude back to Him?
- In reverse, do you love God? Do you like Him? Are you fond-of Him?
- How often do you tell God your important choices – to love, like, and be fond-of Him in your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
HAPPY EASTER, MY FRIEND!
NOW – I HAVE A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!
It’s not too late! Our FREE Devotional/Activity Course – “Prepare For Easter” – is open now.
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TIMELY Heads-Up! . . .
Day #3 Fun Activity uses Resurrection Eggs to tell the Easter story with a little reminder token in each egg. To get your set before Wednesday’s Fun Activity:
- Order NOW (amazon – or another online vendor) OR
- Visit/call your local Christian Bookstores to inquire about a set OR
- Make your own.
To make your own:
Incidentally, it’s fun and simple to make your own set! Fill empty plastic eggs with little items to tell the Easter story. This picture shows items needed in each plastic egg. Kids of every age love this set.
With a little creativity, you can find/make items similar to these things:
- #1Egg-Donkey – Jesus rode into Jerusalem.
- #2Egg-Coins – Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver.
- #3Egg-Cup – The last supper of communion.
- #4Egg-Praying hands – Jesus’ agonizing prayer in Gethsemane.
- #5Egg-Whip – Soldiers scourge Jesus severely.
- #6Egg-Rooster – “You’ll deny Me 3 times before the rooster crows.
- #7Egg-Crown of thorns – Put on Jesus’ head.
- #8Egg-Cross – He was nailed to a cross.
- #9Egg-Spear – His side was pierced after dying.
- #10Egg-Cloth – Jesus was wrapped in linen.
- #11Egg-Stone – A stone closed the tomb Jesus was laid in.
- #12Egg-Empty – He rose from the dead and isn’t there.
If you decide not to make or order this set, our content gives additional activity options.
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