Romans 7:21-25 NLT
I have discovered this principle of life-that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. [22] I love God's law with all my heart. [23] But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. [24] Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? [25] Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
"God loves me when I'm bad?" So exclaimed my great niece to her mum. She was amazed and incredulous at the thought.
It is so far from our way of loving.
Yes, it IS hard to believe that a Holy Lord could still love us when we let Him down, doing bad things or even deny His very existence - but He does!
How do we know His love is like that?
That love is most manifest in The Passion of Jesus on the Cross.
Even as He struggled for breath, the nails digging deep into His flesh, His back raw from the scourging, He cried out for our forgiveness:
Luke 23:34 NLT
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
The Parable of the Prodigal son pictures the Father heart of God, letting us go our own way - waiting, earnestly looking for our return. When we do, throwing a banquet in celebration.
Such unconditional love stirs my soul, ignites my adoration and worship.
Yes, dear Erin, God still loves us when we are bad! But He's working hard to change our hearts and behaviour by His Holy Spirit.
The Power of The Cross can cleanse the vilest sinner.
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