Each day we have moments where we desperately need God’s forgiveness and grace. Wake up calls to our imperfections and depravity. Perhaps like me, you remember a season that you realized the depth of this chasm. God’s grace and mercy was not just the cherry on top, but the necessary glue to keep you together. We sometimes get so comfortable that I think we forget the love we had at first for the God who gave us hope. That elated feeling of peace and joy, when we tossed all our garbage aside and said, “I trust You.”

It’s so easy to go with the flow. Who wants to be the salmon swimming up stream? Yet, I think that is what we are called to do. We need not be guided by what society says is right or wrong but guided by what God says is. We live in a society that encourages us to do whatever comes naturally, or makes us feel good, but is this really for our benefit or detriment?

“Oh my God”, “For God’s Sake”, “Swear to God” are phrases used by Christians and non-Christians alike. They flow off the tongue without hesitation, but should they? The Ten Commandments are the most fundamental of laws, ranging from don’t steal to don’t murder. In this cluster of valuable commandments “Thou shalt not use God’s name in vain” is listed third. Yet, it has been tossed to the side over the years. It may seem trivial to some, but in essence, it’s lowering the name of God to a filler word. Eeks!

Love is the catalyst of the Christian faith, no longer tied to condemnation; we are freed to love God without guilt or shame. “Though our sins are as scarlet they shall be as white as snow. (Is. 1:18)” This agape love is sealed by the blood of Christ on the cross, as He points to you and me, and says you are worth it. God has given you a free pass to love and be loved. Your past does not define your future. There is forgiveness. So lets live as though we are free.

There is no simple answer to this complex question. I am attempting to answer it the best I know how, and that is through the knowledge provided in the Bible. We may never completely understand it because it may be beyond our comprehension. But one thing we can be confident in, is that God is good, and God hates evil too.