Many of us hate ourselves and what we have done. This way of thinking reveals itself in our feelings of unworthiness and our lack of hope. Or we conceal our self-hatred by acting out in rebellious ways. Those actions are just ways of hiding the shame and guilt. The bottom line is: We doubt God could love us.

 

But the Gospel message is just the opposite. No matter how defiant, rebellious, angry, or worthless we feel, when we move toward God, we find that He has already been moving toward us. He has already declared His love for us. God does not condemn us. He is seeking a change of heart. He requests a new way of thinking.

 

When we respond in faith and submit to God, our hearts seek and yearn for His peace. St. Augustine said, “You made us for Yourself, and our hearts find no peace until they rest in You.” We find that rest when we draw near to God. That is a message of hope.

 

With God there is always hope. We must never indulge the thought that we have gone too far or sinned so much that God could never love us. The Bible tells us otherwise. The beauty of God’s message to us through Jesus Christ is that He loves us, unconditionally and fully. He loves us, renews us, and restores us. That is the amazing power of Christianity. No other religion offers the hope of transformation, renewal, and restoration that God offers through the blood and Lordship of His Son. When we humble ourselves before this loving God, He lifts us up to new life. We can accept His love and live purposeful fruitful lives.

 

Whether you are a believer who has drifted from Christ or a lost sinner apart from Christ, please hear the truth, you’re never too far gone. Draw near today, submit today, and start to experience the powerful hope of a restored life in Christ today!

 

In His Service,

Eric Barnes