Naughty or Nice?

God is Love

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. Romans 3:20

Have you been good this year? The question is used with good intention, but if Santa only brings good gifts to good people, maybe this is where we get the notion that love is conditional. Maybe this is where we get the idea that we have to perform to be acceptable to others.

While many of the places we work leave us with an impression that how we’ll be treated is based on what we do, the opposite is true for God. God’s purpose for rules is to protect us and provide orderly living. And while God’s holy law will show us areas in our life where we fall short, He never expected us to keep the law. In fact, He knew we never could. His plan is for us to accept His love and forgiveness offered through His Son Jesus. And by knowing how deeply God cares for us, we in turn do good for His glory.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

Because God is love, through Jesus Christ, we too can love unconditionally.