Today I am inclined to look at a list that many people use to keep from understanding the love of God. It is an unfortunate reality, but so many people have an understanding that for God to accept them they need to have their life pretty well in check. “He would never accept someone like me!”

How many times have you heard it said, (or said it yourself) that God could never accept you because you have done too many bad things. Or you are in a horrible place, wrapped up in all kinds of wicked sin and personal destruction.

Jesus came to rescue you, heal you, and restore you. If you believe that you have to have your life in order before He will accept you then you are sadly mistaken. His mercy and grace will cover you even in your shortcomings. When you were ugly and full of sin He died for you.

So here is a list of ten reasons God shouldn’t love me, but does anyway.

1. I am a sinner.
2. I lie and cheat sometimes.
3. I used drugs and alcohol in excess.
4. I envy and desire things I don’t have.
5. I have committed sexual sin.
6. I have lust in my heart.
7. I can be angry when things don’t go my way.
8. I sometimes use language that would be an offense to God.
9. I can treat people like crap.
10. I can be quite selfish and prideful.

Do any of the items on this list look familiar? Paul tells us in Col 3:5-10 to put away these things… “if we are in Christ.” He doesn’t say to put them away to get to Christ, rather, once you have been transformed by the Gospel these things will become like an old coat that you remove and put on the coat of righteousness given to us by Jesus.

Blessings to you as you give your life to Jesus.
Keith