Grace and Love

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Without even realizing it, many of us are trying to win God's favor. This world has reinforced for us time and time again that we have to do something in order to be loved. So we try to "be a good girl" and do things that will make God happier with us-working tirelessly to try to prove that we're worthy of him.

But the fact is that we're not worthy of him and will never be. The gospel turns this world's logic on its head. The Good News of Jesus Christ is that he offers free, undeserved, unconditional, eternal love and grace to any sin-stained, hopeless, ragamuffin person who turns to him. Because of that, you can...

Revel in his Grace. This is the greatest gift in the universe; enjoy it. Live like you're free because you are (see Ephesians 2:4-5).

Relax and rest in the only unconditional love available. Human love always has limits. God's love has NO limits. Stop trying to earn or win his love. Discard that performance-based faith. Let go and fall back into his safe and loving arms. You are accepted and deeply loved.

Remember that God's love for you has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with you. It's not because of your good behavior that he saved you (see Romans 5:6-8). He saved you because of him, because he loved you, not because of you or something you did to earn it. His very personal love for you depends on him, not you-and he never changes.