What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? – Romans 8:31 NLT

Many of us have grown up wanting to please—first parents, then teachers, employers and yes, God. Faith can become only a checklist of things to do and not do, instead of a relationship with someone who deeply loves us.

We know we’ve made many mistakes. We’ve been selfish, unkind, dishonest, and hurtful. You may imagine God looking down at you like a supervisor, reviewing your performance and raising His eyebrows. Yet the Bible portrays God differently. “If you hear my voice and open the door [of your heart], I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20 NLT).

Satan, whose name means “accuser”, plants in our minds false ideas of who God is and how He relates to us. Those ideas often breed feelings of guilt. By contrast, Jesus is called our “advocate” and defender, pleading our case (even when we sin) before God (1 John 2:1 NLT). Jesus advocates for our forgiveness and justification. What a relief!

Satan “…comes only to steal, kill and destroy,” but Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  Life with an understanding of how Jesus feels about us gives us freedom from insecurity and guilt.  Best of all, know that you are loved by God, and love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). God is for you, not against you!

Resource Reading:  Isaiah 43:1-13