When we say that God loves us as his children, we often think the best of ourselves. We imagine the best son or daughter, the one every parent believes they have or wishes they did. But the truth is that we’re not.
God has loved children who rather than good have been rebellious, mouthy, complaining, grumbling, arrogant, and hurtful. We lie, we cheat, we’re selfish. We steal, we mock, we gossip. We’re wretched, miserable, and deserving of not only a good Father’s discipline but of a righteous Judge’s condemnation.
The truth is shocking to our sensitive ears. But not as shocking as the truth that we’re loved by a just and holy God. As bad, as disobedient, as sinful as we are, God has still been rich in mercy, “because of the great love with which he loved us” (Ephesians 2:4-6) in and through Jesus Christ.
And so, when we say that God loves us, our very first and last thought should run and stay with Jesus, not with ourselves. It’s only in him that we have the reputation – his reputation – of the best or daughter. It’s only through his obedience, goodness, and faithfulness that grace found us, brought us, and welcomed us home. It’s only when we know who he really is that we can know who we really are, and that we can come to find repentance and forgiveness from sin not only necessary but the best thing ever.
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