Often, when we think of our faith we think of it as something we must strive to attain.  We feel that, one day, maybe ‘I’ll be good enough’ as though God is looking down at us just waiting for us to fail so He can punish us.

          This sense that God is always angry with us is something that has been around for hundreds of years.  It has carried through to this day and, unfortunately, prevents many of us from approaching Him.  For others, it is the basis for their own self righteousness allowing them to look down on others who they may feel have failed in that attainment of faith.

          The truth is, we all fail in that quest; even after we have made that public proclamation.  It’s a challenge no man, but one, has ever attained.  Perfection. 

          The truth is that perfection, otherwise known as righteousness, is a gift of grace.  It’s something we can strive for, but because of this fallen body we live in, is something we can’t attain in and of ourselves.  Understanding that one, simple truth, will change the way we look, not only at ourselves, but at everyone, and everything, around us. 

          Once we grasp the simplicity of grace and the profoundness of why we can have it, we will be compelled to believe.  It’s that eye-opening moment when we look up and not see a God who hates us, but we see a God who gave His Son for us and loves us.

          Even after being a Christian for over 38 years, I struggle with questions like, ‘Why does God love ME?’.   How can He love me?  How can I ever be good enough for Him?  The innate ability to beat myself up over the smallest of things, and some large things, has been a hinderance in my grasping the truth of His unconditional love. 

          If you’re struggling today with the question of being good enough or of whether God loves you, be encouraged.  You’re not alone.  It’s our nature.  He understands us more than we understand ourselves and still loves us.  His love is greater than we can possibly even imagine. 

So, the next time you feel like smacking yourself, or feel better than someone, remember we’re all fallen and there is no one perfect.  The good news is that He made a way for us and that he already knows all the mistakes we’ll ever make and still loves us more than anything in all creation.  All we need to do is believe and receive His grace.  When we do, the next time we look up, we’ll see Him looking back at us with that loving smile only a Father could have…

Love always my friends,

Brad