Lots of moms and dads of multiple offspring are asked the question: "Which of us is your favorite?" The stock answer is "I love you all the same."
I think this is rarely a completely true answer. Just as each child is unique, so is the way we love them and the reasons we love them. Hopefully, our expressions of love show no favoritism, but it is wonderful to hold exuberantly within our hearts a love that is specific to each child.
This is the kind of love God offers to each of us. I John 3:1 tells us, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we shuld be called children of God, and that is what we are!" And God doesn't just adapt to our uniqueness, he designed it! Every talent we possess, every manifestation of our DNA he authored!
And because love is central to the nature of God and the will of God for our us, he gives us lots of opportunities to love the differences in the people he has placed in our lives. He has given us so much instruction about love. He clearly wants love to hold a major focus in our lives. He dissects it for in I Corinthians 13:4-7. Jesus said that to love is the greatest command. (Mark 12:28-31) And Paul admonishes us in Romans 13:8, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves has fulfilled the law." I owe it to you to love you!
When I think of my friends, I'm delighted with the specific things that make them each dear to my heart. And as I contemplate each wonderful individual trait that inspires and teaches and amuses me, I find that each friend is irreplaceable--irreplaceable, an important quality to stay aware of and to cherish!
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