After a conversation I had with someone tonight, something really hit me and I had to share it. If we are not careful we will paint a picture of a God that makes some people afraid to pray, accept Him as Lord, and build a relationship with Him. Some are afraid to come to God because they fear God (not with a healthy reverence or respect) but more like terror based on the things they have done and the punishment they may deserve.
Lets make sure that we present the whole picture and let people know that God sent His Son Jesus so they we could be not only sons and daughters but friends. That yes, there are consequences for our actions but there is also Grace! It’s undeserved and demonstrates the Father’s unconditional love. Our salvation is based upon our belief not our perfection.
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
I know that there’s debate about whether parents should be friends with their children but when it comes to our Father God the answer is YES!!!
“For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
Romans 5:10-11 NLT
I pray you are encouraged tonight to come out of your spiritual timeout that you put yourself in because you were afraid of what punishment the Father would give you. And believe that He loves you and whatever sin has you hiding can still be washed in the blood of Jesus!
