Lavish

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to bless and prosper you, never to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

“If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will condemn us? No one. Christ Jesus both died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, interceding for us” (Romans 8:31 ,34).

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever” (Psalms 136:1).

God is motivated by love toward you, not judgment. Even when there are consequences for your actions, his love for you doesn’t change. He loves you because he loves you.

Remember that the next time you’re tempted to put yourself in a spiritual and emotional prison for screwing up. Repentance isn’t trying to change in your own strength. That’s religion. Repentance is surrendering your old life, and receiving Jesus’ grace, righteousness, and love, which transform you in his strength.

Look at the first scripture again. “Lavish” is such a weird word. We rarely use it, and when we do, it’s usually to describe someone’s extravagant lifestyle—someone who is exuberant, excessive, and over the top. And that’s how God loves you (Jesus drops mic).