Tag: Joy

Why Would God Love Me?

Reflecting on God as our father and creator.

It’s quite a mystery why the holiest being of all would love broken people.

And yet, we must believe in His love in order to know that we are saved.

I’ve been pondering this question for quite some time, especially as I’ve been reflecting on God’s holiness–and how it contrasts my innate brokenness.

While that might seem a bit despairing, I’ve actually found so much hope through this process. It’s reminded me that God is so merciful and compassionate to offer us a lifetime of chances to draw near to Him out of His endless love for us.

Though we can’t have a definitive answer to “why would God love me?” while on earth, God gives us clues in the Bible to help us better understand Him.

God is given many titles throughout the Bible. Two of them have helped me understand His love a little more.

God is our father

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 3:1 (NIV)

God is a perfect father, unlike any human father or man we’ve interacted with.

And a perfect father loves His children simply because they belong to Him.

He feeds them, clothes them, and comforts them when they fall. He instructs them, provides them with wisdom, and sends them out into the world when they are fully grown. He loves them from the moment they are born, even when they cannot love him back.

This is the kind of father that God is.

If you have children, you might understand this even more deeply. When your child is an infant, they can’t produce anything for society or provide you material gain. The biggest gift they can offer is a simple smile or cute gesture. Yet you lose sleep over them. You make sacrifices to care for them.

Why?

Because you love them in unexplainable ways. And you would do anything for their good–even when it takes personal sacrifice.

Jesus is God’s Son, first and foremost. The only perfect child of God. And yet God sacrificed Him for our sins, so that we can all be called children of God and dwell with Him forever.

That takes love to a whole other level, doesn’t it?

God is an artist

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
    We are the clay, you are the potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

Have you ever spoken with an author about her book? Or a painter about his masterpiece?

I bet their eyes lit up as they spoke. They knew their work with a surreal kind of intimacy. Perhaps they even spoke about their characters as if they were real people.

(Which, as a novelist, I can deeply sympathize with…)

The best is spending time with a kid who has recently finished an artwork. It doesn’t matter if it looks like a bunch of scribble lines–this is their masterpiece. It must be properly applauded before being hung in a place of honor.

When we’ve poured our heart and soul into a project, it becomes a special part of us. We no longer see it with the eyes of the world–we’re too blinded by love.

God is the master artist. Each morning and evening, He paints the sky with brilliant colors. He designed each animal in their unique way. He designed the very systems that allow us to live.

We were made by God’s own hands. He breathed the breath of life into humanity, as His final and most sacred creation.

God gives us worth because He loves us and we bear His image.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Regardless of why God loves us, we should be filled with gratitude.

It makes no logical sense for a perfect God to love broken people, and yet He does.

This is why we can have hope. The future is in God’s hands. Our lives are in His hands. He loves us, so He will always be drawing us closer to Him.

The question is, will you accept the calling into His love?

Bearing the Name of Christ

How might you act differently if the first thing people knew about you was that you’re a Christian?

Have you ever been on the road and the car ahead of you can’t figure out how to use their turning signal? Or maybe someone cuts you off on the highway, making you slam on the brakes.

And then you see it–the out-of-state license plate. That explains everything.

When we’re on the road, there are very few things other drivers know about us. But they do know one thing–what state we’re coming from. For a brief period of time, we are the representatives of that state, and other drivers might make assumptions about our state based on how we drive.

As Christians, we bear a much more significant name. We are Jesus’ representatives on earth when we identify as Christian.

In fact, we might even be someone’s first experience with Jesus.

Let’s pause here for a moment.

We aren’t expected to be perfect simply because we bear Jesus’ name. However, we should hold ourselves to higher standards because we understand the impact we might have on others. We should be actively pursuing God’s will for our lives, which means growing in godly character and love for our neighbors.

But how are we supposed to go about doing this?

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

The first step is remembering what God has already done for us and praising Him. He created us because He loves us. And even when we fell short of His glory, He gave us His Son as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Therefore, we must love and forgive others, even when it’s difficult.

The second step is asking God for help. He is all-powerful, fully capable of equipping and strengthening us to do His will. We won’t be able to love others well on our own.

Therefore, we must spend time with God each day and seek counsel from His Word and His people. We aren’t meant to do life alone.

The third step is seeking out opportunities to serve others. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He commanded His disciples to go forth and create more disciples. This means going outside your comfort zone and serving people in your community.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

Why would Jesus encourage us to do this?

Because there are so many people wandering the earth in despair, carrying the burden of their sin and shame on their shoulders. There are people throwing their lives away by chasing after temporary satisfaction. And there are Christians who feel hopeless because they’ve been hurt by other believers who haven’t bore the name of Christ with honor.

Today, I challenge you to go out into your community and pretend like you’re wearing a shirt that says, “I am a follow of Jesus.” (Bonus points if you’re actually wearing that shirt.) Consider how you might act differently knowing that the first thing people will know about you is that you’re a Christian.

Will you be slower to speak and quicker to listen? Will you use gentler language and exercise more patience? Will you reach out to someone who seems lonely or left out?

God has wonderful plans for you. It’s okay–normal, even–if you mess up along the way. His grace is sufficient for that.

What matters is that you’re following God’s call on your life, relying on His strength and not your own.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:27

The Gift We Don’t Deserve

But that’s given out of love.

Have you ever received a gift that you didn’t think you deserved?

I’ll never forget when I exchanged birthday gifts with a friend several years ago. I peeled back the paper, expecting to find something sweet and simple, only to discover a gift certificate that was worth triple the amount of the gift I gave her.

I felt so guilty, I couldn’t bring myself to use the certificate. I tried to think of ways to repay her, but they all fell flat. It was impossible for me to believe she simply wanted me to have this generous gift because she cared about our friendship. I kept telling myself that I didn’t earn this gift—so I didn’t deserve it.

We’ve all received a gift we don’t deserve: the forgiveness of our sins.

By being imperfect people, we cannot make enough sacrifices, do enough good things, or purify ourselves from our brokenness. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice for our sins.

He exchanged His life for ours. There’s no greater gift than that.


This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:10 (NIV)

There are many possible responses to the gift of God’s forgiveness. A few of them include:

  • Trying to earn God’s forgiveness (even though we can’t) through good works and sacrifices
  • Treating His forgiveness as commonplace because we simply can’t wrap our heads around the weight of this gift
  • Wallowing in guilt over Jesus’ sacrifice because we know we don’t deserve it
  • Not believing that we’re truly forgiven

I’ve struggled with all of these responses, and honestly, I continue to struggle with them. Why? Because I’m a logical person, and it doesn’t make sense for God to offer this gift freely.

But then I remember He loves me. He loves His people. He loves the world He created, even though He despises its brokenness.

And that’s why He’s offering us an escape from the brokenness, an opportunity to experience His everlasting light even in the darkness.

Have you ever loved someone so much, you would do anything for them?

That’s the kind of love God has for us. Overwhelming, overflowing, indescribable love. The kind that prompts Him to do whatever it takes to be with us for all eternity.

So what’s the right response to God’s gift?

  • Praising God for His holiness and endless love
  • Asking God for help in accepting this gift
  • Doing good deeds, making sacrifices out of love, and serving those around us–not to earn God’s grace or repay Him for His gift, but from a thankful and sincere heart

How might God be prompting you to extend grace to someone who doesn’t deserve it today?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good

Is it difficult to follow in Jesus’ footsteps when you don’t see the fruit of your labor?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I’ve been clinging onto this verse for so long.

And I’ll be honest, there are days when I feel like giving up. When it doesn’t feel worth it to take the high road, make sacrifices, and pursue God’s calling for me.

This weariness often stems from comparison. Lies weave their way into my mind when I look at others’ lives and wonder why they have things I’ve longed for.

Why was she chosen?

Why was he given that opportunity?

Will I never see a breakthrough?

But God’s been reminding me over and over that He’s my sustainer. He’s the source of my strength. I won’t find fulfillment in chasing after those things on my own.

The things we covet are often idols in our lives. They can be good things, but when we believe those things will satisfy us more than God, they have a stronghold over us.

Surrendering those desires and asking God for strength is the only way we can endure the rocky seasons when it feels like we’re left behind.

God hasn’t forgotten you, friend.

Choosing to stay on the course God has set before us requires trust in Him. He promises that we’ll reap a harvest, but at His appointed time.

Not ours.

That means we might wait weeks, months, years–even decades–before we witness the fruit of our labor.

Perhaps there’s a difficult person in your life who you’ve treated with kindness and mercy. It would be wonderful to see them transform during your lifetime, but perhaps you won’t know the impact you had on them until Heaven.

Even if we don’t see the fruit of our good deeds, seeds are still being planted. Hearts are still being softened. Hope is still rising forth through simple loving actions.

We don’t do good in order to earn our salvation. We strive to become more like Christ out of gratitude for the immeasurable gift He’s already given us.

Jesus chose to die on the cross for our sins. Nobody forced Him to give up His life, but He loved us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice with no personal gain.

He loves us still, even when we stumble.

He didn’t give up, even when faced with death.

In our trials, both great and small, we must press on with hope and courage. Even if we never receive rewards for our hard work on earth, we will be rewarded in our reunion with our Heavenly Father.

His presence is enough.

When we die to ourselves out of love for God and people, we will find new life.

Let’s live in light of that new life today.

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:28-29

The Biggest Lesson God’s Taught Me at Age 22

A reflection over this past year, closing with encouragement for your faith journey.

Only God can truly satisfy the desires of my heart.

There. Plain and simple. But sometimes, that truth is really hard to accept when the world is so enticing.

So let’s backtrack a little.

22 has been an interesting year for me. In some ways, I finally feel like I know where I’m headed–in the short term and the longterm.

It’s been a privilege pursuing my career goal of becoming an author, and after receiving so much professional feedback and encouragement this year, this dream actually seems within reach.

And a couple months ago, I participated in an in-depth study of Revelation, which reminded me of the eternal home we have with Jesus. I felt a strange sense of comfort, despite all of the warnings and trials foreshadowed in Revelation, by the reassurance that this earth is not our home, so it’s okay if we don’t feel like we belong here sometimes.

This has been a year of healing from past hurts, finding hope that reconciliation is possible, and learning to rely on God day by day for strength, grace, and wisdom.

It’s also been a year of recognizing that as beautiful as my dreams might be, achieving them won’t satisfy me completely.

Yes, reconciliation is worth fighting for. Yes, becoming an author could impact the lives of many readers. Yes, traveling the world might open my perspective in new and exciting ways.

But will any of that fully satisfy me? No.

At the end of the day, I must surrender all of those things to God. With surrender comes supernatural peace, hope and joy, even in the waiting.

The biggest joy of my life this year has been growing in my hunger for God.

It’s taken a long time to get here. Growing up, I didn’t enjoy reading the Bible on my own. As I got older, I began the discipline of being in the Word consistently, and after a while, my day couldn’t start without time with God. My dependence on Him grew the more I abided in Him and His teaching.

But this year, my desire for God went from craving what His presence would give me (peace, rest, answers) and transformed into a desire for God Himself. To know Him more, to understand Him deeply, and to learn how He wants me to live–even at the cost of my own earthly desires.

God will continue to help me grow in my obedience to Him, especially as I learn to trust Him more each day. I’m still at the beginning of this stage of my faith journey, but I’m so thankful for His grace and patience with me, even when I fall into temptation or trust in my own judgement rather than His divine wisdom.

Though the world feels dim and dark, I pray that we will shine brightly with the hope found in Jesus as we look forward to our reunion with Him.

What are you thankful to God for today?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Our Hope is Found in Jesus

Jesus offers us new life and will one day come again to restore all things.

Happy Easter, friends! He is risen!

As we remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and miraculous resurrection from the grave, there are many parallels to when Jesus comes again.

But first, let’s take a look-back at the Easter story.

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 

5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” 

8 Then they remembered his words.

9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 

11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 

12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Luke 24:2-12 (NIV)

The women expected to find Jesus’ body, but instead, they were met with an empty tomb and two angelic guards who delivered a shocking message.

This shouldn’t have been an unfamiliar message to them. After all, Jesus predicted His death and resurrection many times during His earthly ministry. And in the Old Testament, the prophets foretold all of this as well.

But imagine being these women. They saw Jesus die on the cross and all hope was lost. It seemed like the world couldn’t get any darker. While they might’ve vaguely remembered Jesus’ words, it seemed too late for redemption.

They had to face the facts. Jesus was dead. They just had to press forward and honor His legacy with what they had.

But they forgot the truth. Jesus is more powerful than any darkness we face on earth. He promised to conquer death, rise again, and offer new life to all who believe, and so He did.

Right now, the world feels darker and more broken than ever. We’ve been waiting for more than three days for Jesus to return and restore the world. Sometimes, it may feel like He won’t ever return. It may even seem like darkness and evil has won.

But if we let our present circumstances destroy our hope, then we’ve also forgotten the truth.

The truth proclaimed throughout the entire Bible, reminding us that this world is not our home. And one day, Jesus will return and offer everlasting life for those who hold true to His word and remain faithful.

We are not too late for redemption. Jesus will come again. His love and power will never fail, so even while the world crumbles around us, we can still have hope.

Friend, don’t let your present circumstances destroy your hope. Let’s place our hope in Jesus, who never changes, and will one day bring us home to be with Him forever.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 

2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

Let God Use You to Spread His Love

Do you feel intimidated when God calls you to share His love? Perhaps it’s simpler than you think.

God’s love is perfect. God’s love is sacrificial. God’s love is eternal.

So how on earth are we–flawed human beings–expected to spread His love?

Well, it might be a little simpler than you think.

Earlier this week, I had an incredibly stressful day. Much of that stress resulted from a situation with a client who was particularly critical and demanding. Their words beat me down and I was ready to snap.

Then a text popped up on my phone.

I winced, then peeked at it. A smile spread across my lips.

A person from my church was offering to give me her jacket. A nice jacket, lightly worn, and something she thought I might enjoy.

I was completely caught off-guard, but in the best way possible.

New, positive thoughts filled my mind. Someone was thinking kindly of me? Someone wanted to bless me today?

That’s all it takes to show someone God’s love.

This woman didn’t know I was having a rough day. I’m not entirely sure what made her decide this jacket was meant for me. She could’ve stuffed it back into her closet, donated it to Goodwill, or sold it at a garage sale.

But instead, she chose to reach out to me and spread God’s love.

Showing God’s love often looks like “random acts of kindness.” But they aren’t random. They require listening to God’s leading and acting on the things He tells us to do.

Often that means sacrificing our own comfort, possessions, or time. We may even sacrifice our reputation when God nudges us to reach out to someone outside our circle.

There’s another difference between loving others and simply being kind. When we’re just being kind, we might be motivated selfishly. Perhaps we want to be seen as the “kind/good/caring person.” Perhaps we desire something in return, even if that’s simply being treated kindly back.

But when we show others God’s love, we don’t expect anything in return.

Why? Because we’re already satisfied by God’s love and kindness toward us.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 107:8-9 (NIV)

The loving gesture I experienced helped me to treat my client with more respect and generosity. My natural inclination was bitterness and resentment, which is just as wrong as the way my client mistreated me.

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 

3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Romans 2:1, 3-4 (NIV)

Does this mean we ought to surround ourselves with people who treat us poorly?

No.

Jesus’ inner circle primarily included trusted friends (with the exception of Judas). These were the people who got unlimited access to Jesus, even when He took breaks from the rest of the crowd.

However, Jesus ministered to all the people around Him, including those who wished Him dead. He fed them, shared the gospel with them, and answered their tricky questions.

As followers of Jesus, we must use His approach as our example.

Whenever God prompts us to share His love with someone, we must answer that call with obedience.

And if we don’t? God will simply use someone else and we’ll miss out on the opportunity.

But God is persistent. He will call us again and again. We just have to listen and obey.

Though we’ve all missed opportunities to share His love in the past, it’s not too late to start listening today. Ask God who He wants you to reach out to and how He wants you to bless them.

You are a beacon of His love. ❤

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Continuing Forward with Hope for the Future

Are you in the middle of a chapter in your life, waiting for God to show up?

A wise person once told me that it’s much easier to share about the trials and struggles of our past, rather than what we’re currently going through.

Perhaps it’s because we know how our past stories end–often in goodness, redemption, or peaceful surrender. Even if those stories end in tragedy, the ending is sealed in our mind.

One of the many reasons why it’s difficult to publicly (whether that be with one other person or an entire group) process our current struggles is because we aren’t quite sure what will happen next.

It reveals our lack of control over our own story.

True confessions time. Over the last few months, it’s been difficult for me to blog regularly for two reasons:

  1. I’ve been writing so much more for my novel writing program (the Author Conservatory, which I shared about in a previous post). This has been a life-changing, transformative experience. Such a blessing in my life!
  2. And the less flattering reason…I’m in the middle of several unfinished chapters in my own life story.

Sometimes I wish I were a character in a book with a clear beginning, middle, and end. A simple growth journey where I find myself whole and healed by the final page.

But God’s more creative than even the best human author. He’s also more patient too, carrying us through every chapter and scene in our life story.

(I have yet to read a book that spans the entire life of a single person, detailing every miniscule moment for pages on end. Probably because none of us would have the patience to read it!)

And yet God chooses to do life with us, every second of every day.

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV)

This verse has been coming up in my life a lot recently. It’s such a comfort to know that God is watching over us without so much as blinking an eye. No detail goes unnoticed by Him, even the moments that we sometimes wish we could hide from Him.

But God views us, even in our fragile and broken human condition, as His precious children. He wants the best for us, and sometimes that means allowing us to trek further down an unknown path because the end result will lead to further growth and trust in Him.

All our paths are known to Him, even when the sky ahead seems foggy to us.

Perhaps this chapter of your life feels endless. Maybe you’ve been waiting on an answer or the fulfillment of a promise for years.

God welcomes our questions and wonderings, even our complaints. As we call out to Him, may we also remember all that He has done before, proving His faithfulness.

You see, friend, there is beauty and healing in sharing about the past and the present.

For when we remember the past, we also remember God’s unchanging character, and find hope in our present circumstances.


Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV)

The Old Testament is filled with reminders to God’s people of all the ways He had already blessed and provided for them. During their forty years in the wilderness, they grew weary and doubted God would fulfill His promises to them. But God remained faithful, even when His people didn’t.

Our God is the same–yesterday, today, and forever. He showed up then, and He will continue to show up for us now.

Let’s continue forward with Him today.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What in your life feels like an unfinished chapter?
  2. How have you been responding to waiting in this season?
  3. How has God provided for you in the past?
  4. Go back to a Bible passage that has brought you comfort or hope in the past. What do you remember about God’s character through this passage?
  5. Is there a safe person in your life who you should share your present struggles with?


For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

Releasing 2025 into God’s Hands

What does it look like to release as we step into the new year?

Are you someone who enjoys choosing a word of intention at the beginning of the new year?

My word of the year for 2025 was “release.” And wow, has it been applicable. It’s never been clearer to me how God’s the true author of our lives, always a step ahead and paving the path for us to learn, grow, and heal. And sometimes, He uses a specific word to guide us in our walk with Him.

Release has so many meanings for me. Letting go of control, surrendering to God’s will even when it differs from my plans, and saying goodbye to relationships that aren’t healthy anymore.

But if I could leave you with one way to release in 2026, it’s this:

Release your burdens and anxieties onto Jesus. Only He is strong enough to carry them and redeem your broken situations.

What does this look like in practice?

Falling to our knees in prayer, sharing vulnerably with God–both our doubts and reminders of who He is–and asking for His help. Filling our minds with scripture, worship songs, and the wisdom of those further along in their faith journey. Participating in godly community, where safe people can listen to your struggles and offer support.

We aren’t the heroes of our own stories–and thank goodness, because that would be such a burden to bear.

God is the hero. Only He can provide, protect, and heal. He longs for us to choose His love and, overflowing with the Spirit, spread that love to others.

Perhaps reflecting on 2025 brings you shame and discouragement. God is big enough to hold your regrets, broken dreams, and shattered faith.

Or maybe 2025 was a year of celebration and victory for you. Praise God for His faithfulness and record all His wondrous works. This will encourage you both now, and when harder times come.

God is faithful through it all.

As we step into the new year, I hope you experience God’s deep, unfailing love for you. Trust in Him, that no matter the unknowns, He will always care for you, His precious child.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Praise be to the Lord,
    for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people,
    a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
    be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:6-9 (NIV)

Our Hope is Found in God’s Unfailing Love

This Christmas, may you be filled with peace as we celebrate God’s everlasting love for us.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:5-10 (NIV)

God is light. God is love. And somehow, God chooses us every single day.

Though we cannot fully comprehend this reality, it remains true all the same. God’s character isn’t determined by our understanding of Him–for we are limited by human constraints. God will always be holy and worthy of our praise.

It is through recognizing our blind spots, our lack of understanding, and our utter brokenness that we discover our yearning for a Savior.

We cannot save ourselves, no matter how strong we become or how closely we follow the rules. But that is no slight against us, for out of His love, God created us to need Him.

God offers the perfect Savior–Jesus–with one simple request: submission to His love.

Submission to His love means laying down our own desires and asking what He wants from us, because His ways are better. It means pursuing a relationship with God, who is always there and will never abandon us. It even means acknowledging our imperfections while celebrating that we have the perfect Father in Heaven.

I won’t pretend that submission is easy. In fact, it requires great sacrifice and a transformed mind. But when we call out to God as we struggle to surrender our wills, He will give us the strength to keep going.

Christmas is about celebrating the everlasting love of our eternal Father. We gasp in wonder at the tremendous sacrifice God made by sending His only son, Jesus, to undergo the human experience and eventually die for our sins.

We are given new life through Jesus, who overcame death and will return for us someday. Though we will grieve the brokenness, injustice, and heartache of this world, our hope is anchored in the the only One who can redeem.

May you experience God’s abounding love for you and be made whole through Him. He will never forsake you, His beloved child, and He is calling you close to Him today.

Merry Christmas!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

1 John 3:1-3 (NIV)