Dad loves you. His love is very real and very powerful. We’ve been led to believe that God loves us…but not too much. His love is very reasonable, logical and fair. He’s filled with joy when your life is fruitful. However, when you sin, he gets sad and disappointed. You break his heart. Here are my thoughts:
Wake the fuck up.
Get over yourself. Your “bad deeds” didn’t make you a sinner (Romans 5:19). Likewise, your good deeds don’t make you righteous (Romans 5:19). Your standing with God has nothing to do with you! I’m sorry if this stings your pride. You were a sinner because of what Adam did, and righteous because of Jesus. This means you can enjoy Dad’s presence whether you’re going to church or snorting a line of cocaine off a prostitute! Either way, he’s looking at you with intense pride and unrestrained love. How unfair is that?!
The only reason you’re thinking “That’s bullshit!” right now, is because you’ve heard the following lies:
1.) God withdraws his presence when you sin. He loves the sinner; not the sin.
This subtle lie has the potential of doing the most damage to your relationship. It’s self-righteous to think your sins can undo what Jesus did! Are you more powerful than God’s love? Why does God even hate sin? Because it’s ugly?
No! Because it causes separation! What happened in the garden? Adam got separated! What happened at the cross? Jesus got you back! Let’s not make it complicated. You think he withdraws from sin? Not one inch. He’s inside you; part of you now! He’s already dealt with your sins on the cross. Today if you ask for forgiveness, you’ll get a blank stare (Hebrews 10:17). Followed by a smile.
2.) God cares about morals, and desires Christ-like behavior.
Morals have nothing to do with God. And Christ-like behavior is merely a fruit.
Your good behavior doesn't impress Dad (Isaiah 64:6). What amazes Dad is you! He can’t take his eyes off you! He sent his son to get you back; not to clean you up. You got cleaned in the process! But the main objective was to nullify that excuse for separation. The next time the enemy condemns you with an accusation, just point him to your defense attorney, Jesus, who always justifies you (1 John 2:1)!
3.) Jesus died for you, so now you owe him [with worship, good works and tithings].
Haha, that’s funny. I thought it was the gift of righteousness. How self-righteous is it to think you could even pay God back?
Worship is a response. Here’s an example. Every day, I try to make my son smile. Occasionally, he’ll say “I love you Dad!” I never make him say that. Why would I? Similarly, you don’t “owe” Jesus any worship. I’m pretty sure his angels do a much better job anyways.
Second, you don’t produce good works (Phil. 3:8). They’re a fruit; a natural result of being connected to the vine. And the fruit is for you! It’s for you to enjoy, and also reveals your beliefs. Here’s an example. Encouraging other people feels good. Enjoy that! Additionally, the act of encouraging reveals you believe God encourages people! Your behavior helps you see your beliefs about God!
And finally, tithing is a response. If you aren’t excited about tithing, stop! Dad doesn’t need money, and he no longer rewards good behavior (Galatians 3:25).
Dad loves you because he is love and is totally obsessed with you. He doesn’t want you focusing on sin anymore. Or good works. Or even loving him back. Nothing. Just receive his love!
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