LOVING FATHER, NOT JUDGE

Leon FontaineDevoted

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)

You cannot build a close relationship with someone you don’t trust.

If a child grows up with an abusive mother, he may love his mom but he’s also afraid of her. He doesn’t trust her because he is never sure of what he’s going to get. One day she’s loving; the next she’s filled with rage. He learns to pull away from her—to lie about his mistakes and hide his imperfections—because he fears his mom’s emotional reactions.

On the other hand, a child who has an emotionally healthy mother can run to her always, even after crashing her car or breaking her favourite vase. He knows he will always be loved and accepted.

Religion would have you believe that God is an abusive parent, but it’s not true. He’s your loving Father and you have no reason to live in fear of Him. No matter how hard you fall, you can always trust that He’s with you, and in you, giving you the help you need.

God is not your judge either. When it comes to the things believers have done wrong, God says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds” (Hebrews 10:17, NLT).

You don’t have to be perfect to earn a relationship with God or somehow deserve His love; just trust in the fact that Jesus already fulfilled every obligation. Learn to focus on His grace and love. Always remember that you’re loved and accepted and you’re filled with His power, grace and ability. He will always be there for you.