Picture-Perfect!

Matt.7:¹¹ “So if you, sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. ¹² “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of …the law and the prophets”

Parents, are all your children perfect? Or do you have one perfect child at least? I do not think any parent has perfect children. Do you love them a little bit or absolutely, regardless? I am certain that every parent would say absolutely! How are you able to love them absolutely even though they are not perfect? I bet you love them just the way they are because they are yours, right? If humans that are flawed can love their children absolutely in spite of their imperfections, why do you think God will not love you absolutely in spite of your faults? Thinking that way is like throwing a punch in God’s face.

Luke 11:^11-13 [MSG, with emphasis] “If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?” You can almost feel God’s pain in this scripture. Like He was saying, “See what you think about Me and how you are treating Me.”

Why do you think that because you have done wrong or because you have messed up, God will not love you? God Himself says to you, “For I have loved you with an everlasting love.” The word everlasting means forever. I have visited some houses where I could not help but notice the proud display of their toddler’s art-work. It is obvious how much joy the parents derive from it. But honestly it looks like the ground after chickens have scratched out their food. But to the parents, that painting is priceless.

Do you think a mother will look at that painting and say it is not good enough and she cannot be excited about it until it is a Leonardo DaVinci replica? The truth is that it would not even cross her mind? So why is it that when you relate with God, you think your painting must be perfect before He is excited about you? Stop hiding your painting, just bring it home He wants to see it; and guess what? He is already dancing.

Prayer: Father, Your grace has truly found me just as I am and I thank You for Your outstretched arms and tender love, in Jesus Name. Amen!