I know you Love me, but do you Like me?

“ … He saved me to His delight; He took joy in me.” Psalm 18:19b (VOICE)

I wasn’t expecting anything profound to slip from my 4-year-old’s lips while we chatted over lunch on that hot summer day. I was just trying to keep my capricious girl at the table long enough to finish her peanut butter sandwich before she raced off to play.

“What did you learn at Vacation Bible School today?” I asked as I leaned over Maggie’s pink plastic plate and wiped a drizzle of peanut butter from her chin.

My daughter lifted her sandwich to her lips, took a bite and peered at me over the crust like a friendly neighbor peeking across a backyard fence.

“I learned that Jesus really likes me … ” she said with a giddy grin. “Soooo much!”

Her words floated through the air on the wings of a happy-sing-song. Then she reached across the table and gave my hand a tender squeeze. “And, Mommy,” she said as she laced her sticky fingers through mine, “I think He really, really likes you, too!”

She waved her arms like a baby bird taking flight, and I felt as if my heart might take flight, too.

After all, I’ve long believed that Jesus loves me — the cross is proof of that — but some days when I look at the woman in the mirror, it’s hard to believe my Savior likes me, too.

I don’t know about you, but some days, I just feel unlikeable.

Some days I feel messed up and maxed out, exasperated and exhausted.

Some days I’m not grateful or gleeful, flexible or fun.

Some days I don’t bring delight to my husband, my kids or even my dearest pals.

And to be totally honest, some days I don’t even like myself.

Yet like a forgiving friend, the Bible echoes my little girl’s winsome words.

Scripture reminds us that the One who took our place on Calvary’s cross doesn’t merely tolerate us through gritted teeth or embrace us because of holy compulsion. As preposterous as it sounds, the One who first loved us, actually likes us, too. And here’s proof:

• Today’s key verse says God takes joy in us.
• Psalm 149:4 declares He delights in us.
• Zephaniah 3:17 affirms He rejoices over us.
• And Psalm 147:11 proclaims that we bring Him pleasure.

It’s crazy when you think about it — that the perfect Prince of Heaven takes joy in His flawed followers on the dust of earth. But when I remember this simple truth, it changes the way I pursue my Savior.

When I acknowledge that Jesus enjoys me, I look for ways to enjoy Him, too. I seek His company as I go throughout my day, whether it’s talking to Him as I drive across town or laughing with Him as I watch a puppy’s winsome play.

I notice His kindness in the depths of my daily grind — the brazen sunset over the trees in my backwoods, or the unexpected phone call from a friend on a hard day.

And I relish His presence in the midst my pandemonium. I savor the song of the birds beyond my window, the unexplainable peace in my hurry, the echo of an encouraging Scripture verse that runs through my mind.

In short, when I remember how the One who died for me also delights in me, I’m drawn to delight in Him, too.

So, I’m gonna keep singing that Sunday School song I learned as a child: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. 

But I’m also going to celebrate that oft-ignored truth that a 4-year-old once spoke to my soaring soul through a mouthful of peanut butter.

Jesus really likes me.

And you know what? I think He really really likes you, too … soooooo much.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving me enough to save me and liking me enough to savor me. Teach me how to delight in You, as You delight in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Happy Valentine’s day friends. I don’t know if this day causes you to smile or groan, but I do know this—you are deeply loved. If you need a reminder today of how much you are loved (and liked) by the One who made you, pursues you, and cherishes you, I’ve made a printable for you. You can download it for free here: You are Loved Grab one for yourself or for a friend who could use a Valentine message filled with truth that will never change.

If you were encouraged by this blog post and would like to receive occasional encouragement in your inbox, you can subscribe here for free. Or if you’re looking for a resource to help you flourish in your daily walk with Jesus, check out my digital devotional, Encounter. I created it to help you connect with Jesus right where you are.

Also, I’m still booking speaking events for the upcoming year and would love to meet you in person this year. If you’re interested in having me come speak near you, would you please pass my name on to the women’s ministry leader at your church or an event planner in your community who is still searching for just the right speaker for her next event. You can find videos of my speaking and all the details you need for contacting me here. I’d love to meet you face to face in 2026!

Finally, if you have a moment before you go, tell us your favorite way to spread love right now (and maybe we’ll all get inspired to love our people in new ways on this Valentine’s Day)