"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
God doesn't see us through rose-colored glasses. Instead, He sees us through Christ colored glasses. He sees us justified, in Him. He doesn't see us sin stained, but blood washed through the blood of Christ. The cross' shadow covers our deepest and darkest sins, regrets, mistakes or whatever we think keeps us from God's loving grace.
The truth is that we don't have to earn His love, His grace, or anything. There is nothing we can do to merit God's mercy. The only thing required of us is to trust Him fully, love Jesus, and leave the saving part to Him. Nothing we do will save us. That is the great gift we have in Him.
The works of our hands are only in response to honor Him and show others how wonderful His grace is. We don't live a certain lifestyle because it's what makes God happy. Rather, we live that life, the God honoring life, because it honors the One who saved us and redeemed us.
I think about when my kids draw me a picture. They aren't trying to earn my love. Instead, because of my love for them, they respond by the work of their hands. It's the same way in our relationship with God. When we understand fully that God loves us, and sees us as forgiven, as washed with the blood, we will serve Him more fully. It's not because we are trying to earn our way, but in response to His love. We want to show love to those we believe love us.
And, we know He loves us. Oh, How He loves us. His love goes deeper, wider, longer, higher and further than anything we could imagine, and nothing can separate us from His great love. Friend, what if we dared to believe God for that kind of life? To see others as God sees them? Could we do it? I believe we can. Who in your life needs a little extra TLC? Who is the most difficult person for you to love? Dare to believe that God can work through you to love them and see them as He does.
Father, how we love you. We honor you! We choose to believe you and take you at your word. We know you have loved us, first. You love us with an everlasting love. You have removed our sin as far as east is from the west. Thank you for your mercy and loving-kindness. Thank you for loving us past our transgressions and through Christ. We know nothing can separate us from your love. Help us to show that love to everyone we come across. Give us merciful hearts, kind words, and remind us of your love for us so we can see others through Christ-colored glasses like you do. In Jesus Name, Amen.
