People protest, advertisements are aired, and shirts are worn that speak about inclusion. Everyone deserves to be seen and heard. Everyone deserves to be respected, and we all would agree. Yet, we don’t see it lived out. It seems to elude our best intentions. There is a “Jesus Gets Us” ad campaign that is seen during the Super Bowl that promotes that Jesus loves you no matter who you are.
While this is true, just leaving it here isn’t the wisest for it only depicts a part of God’s story of love. Yes, Jesus loves you, but…
Whether you are heterosexual or homosexual, a transgender, a college graduate or a high school dropout, you come from a wealthy family or poor, your skin is white, black or in between, you are a conservative or a liberal, God loves you for the Bible tells you so.
But… the Bible doesn’t just stop at God’s amazing love for every person born. It also talks about transformative power that happens when Jesus’ love gets inside of you. It is one thing to know about God’s love, it is another to experience it!
While the world searches for the true meaning of love, it is falling short in delivering what every human heart needs and desires. While the world offers good ideas of peace and unity, the true answer lies in what comes after realizing that Jesus loves you.
Jesus embraces every person who wants to know Him. When you go to Him, though, you will not stay the way you are. Jesus takes you by the hand and leads you on the path to holiness. He tenderly changes your mindset and heart to align with who God is, and you learn who God is in the pages of the Bible.
Today would be a good time to make studying the Bible a daily habit.
God wants you to learn all about Him and how you need to respond to the love that Jesus offers. The Gospels are the best place to start; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I would begin with John and then read the other three books. In the book of Luke, Jesus shares a few truths on how to respond to Him:
1. “Unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.” (Luke 13:3,5) Whatever is in your life that God hates, He will help you to change.
2. “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.” (Luke 13:24) Sin causes you to be on the wrong road. Jesus will lead you on the right one.
3. “And if you do not carry your own cross and follow Me, you cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:27) Jesus will teach you to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
4. “So, you cannot become My disciple without giving up everything you own.” (Luke 14:33) Jesus must take first place within your heart.
5. “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brother or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.” (Luke 18:29-30) Your life will become fuller in ways that you can’t imagine. When the Holy Spirit is allowed to lead, you truly walk in the fullness of God.
As you study God’s Word, what else is God wanting you realize and respond to? No matter what it is, don’t be afraid for God will never leave you high and dry. He will fill you with Himself!
I will leave you with a couple more verses to encourage you. “For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16b-17) “By standing firm, you will win your souls.” (Luke 21:19) Let God’s transformational love change you!
Carol J German 