Love

Some Americans don’t think about God. I lived most of my life like this. I’m only 3 years into following Jesus. So many Americans will tell you, “of course, I’m Christian,” when they don’t know what that means beyond a checkbox on a form or what’s acceptable among their friends and neighbors.

Most Americans don’t think about how God sees them. We were created in His image as unblemished lambs washed white by the blood of Jesus of Nazareth. However, many have a self proclaimed, proud image of themselves. They think of themselves as a “good person” and “gentle and kind” to those they love and hold dear. I subscribed to this self-idolatry for 50 years of my life. They give love generously to those that deserve and earn such special places in their hearts.

The love that God gives, the Love of the Father, doesn’t discriminate. No one is qualified or earns it. God just pours out his love to all of his children equally without judgement or cost. He freely gives love that can’t be matched or fully understood by humans.

God gives us free will. All we need to do is receive His love. Have faith and believe it. The ultimate goal is intimate relationship with God. Knowing the Lord intimately through relationship with the Holy Spirit. Love of the Father, life and heaven on earth, more abundantly, so many promises to those that believe and choose to walk with Him. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.

God’s love goes far beyond our imaginations and dreams. Even during the times God pours out wrath and vengeance upon the wicked and disobedient (ie: Jeremiah 1-23), I believe the love He has for them never tarnishes and is unfading forever. He waits and hopes for us to return, like the The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) or The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10).

99 sheep

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7) (Matthew 18:10-14)
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way…” (Isaiah 53:6). The ninety-nine sheep are ones that go back and forth upon the earth honoring themselves as righteous and perfect. They might not know Jesus or maybe they stand confused about their identity in Christ. This group is made up of friends and family, coworkers and neighbors. I had gone astray as a goat for fifty years before I was found as a lost sheep in 2023. To me, the ninety-nine are like the goats and the found is like the sheep. Goats can become sheep, (Matthew 25:31-46). At the end of the age is when this judgement comes, on the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14; John 12:48).

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). They don’t understand sin, and think sin is something seen and known externally, like murder and adultery that involve other people. They don’t know that God knows what is in your heart, and every thought you keep secret. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us,” (1 John 1:8).

They exist in a deception of pride, or the cover of isolation. Often hindered by addictions and distractions that keep their eyes on an earthly standard of success. Seeking a prize to achieve and an honor to feel. Seeking the acceptance of people is normal, and the desire to please people drives them to work hard at it.

The one sheep that finally opens their eyes and sees, the one with ears to hear, that sheep repents. Now the one, that one that wandered astray and then shows up with repentance in their heart, reconciliation and making the redeeming pivot…

“Go in peace and sin no more,” Jesus said (John 8:11). A man is transformed by the rebirth.
“A man is born again” (John 3:3) “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23).
This is one the greatest rejoice possible, “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep,” Jesus said (John 10:11).

Four great reasons to rejoice, according to the Bible:

1. Love. “Love rejoices with the truth,” (1 Corinthians 13:6). “Above all, clothe yourselves with love,” (Colossians 3:14).
2. Sharing the good news. “Only that in every way, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice,” (Philippians 1:18, Romans 10:15 (Isaiah 52:7)).
3. “Saved by grace through faith,” (Ephesians 2:8).
4. The lost sheep is found. (Matthew 18:14), angels in heaven rejoice (Luke 15:10).

Nothing is impossible for God.

(I began writing this January 25, 2026 with additions in March and April, and now it’s May.)