Love, Grace, and Redemption

We don't receive redemption based on our own efforts or actions.

God knew we wouldn't always get it right...that we would do and say and think and be so many things we shouldn't. He knew we would sin. He knew we would wonder if we're worth being loved. He knew we would struggle with past mistakes and wrong choices made and that in our choices, wonder if we will ever measure up!

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ~ Romans 5:8

We can't reach our destination in God with the thought process of having to earn our way there. We don't receive redemption based on our own efforts or actions.

The grace of God is given to us freely! It's our choice to accept it! Redemption comes when we let go of what holds us back, let go of the control we attempt to have, and let go of our pain and hurt - opening our heart, soul, mind and arms to receive His grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness.

He knows all these things about us that we often try to ignore or forget; those things we hide behind so others don't see our pain and hurt or our faults and shortcomings. AND He still loves us! He loves us so much that to save us from ourselves, He sent His Son...His One and Only Son to take our sin and shame, replacing it with grace and freedom!

Emerging from those dark seasons of life we sometimes find ourselves in emphatically tells me there is Hope received when Character grows stemming from Persevering through it all!