Overcoming Lies About God预览

A Loving and Forgiving Father

People have all kinds of opinions about God. Pantheists say God is everything; polytheists believe in multiple gods and goddesses; deists believe that He created everything but isn’t involved with creation. Even some Christians teach things about God that don’t line up with the Bible. That’s why I want to re-examine a few characteristics God has revealed about Himself in His Word.

First, God is not angry with you. He loves you and is pleased with you. In praying for believers to experience perfect unity, Jesus said, “that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:23). God the Father loves you as much as He loves Jesus! That’s amazing! On top of that, we see how God relates to Jesus during His baptism. He said He loves Him and is pleased with Him. If you are in Christ, God the Father says the same thing to you today: “You are My son,” or “You are My daughter,” and “who I love and in whom I am well pleased.” Do you see God that way? Do you think that He loves you and is pleased with you?

Not too long ago, my friend Zack was having lunch with his wife and his two daughters. His oldest daughter was going through the phase of what they call “the terrible twos.” Zack kept trying, over and over again, to get her to eat her lunch, and remained calm, despite her refusal to eat and the attention she brought on herself. Seeing how he engaged with his daughter reminded me of how God treats us. Despite our behavior, He loves us and keeps delighting in us.

Second, God is not uptight nor obsessed with rules. God is gracious and forgiving. When we confess our sins, He forgives us—no ifs, ands, or buts. No exceptions. No small font or disclaimers. If you confess your wrongs to God, no matter what, God will forgive you. He is the God of second chances without end.

God, help me remember that You love me, even when I mess up. I want to know, deep down, that You forgive me and delight in me.