I see my own story so clearly in these verses. I grew up always being aware of God but saw Him as a distant, demanding God who I was supposed to avoid disappointing or else be punished. As I got into Middle School, God graciously used people who invited, included and accepted me to help me see and understand His character better.
Over those years, I learned how generous God’s grace is; how it washes us regardless of what we’ve done or been through. I started to experience His love for me first hand, His desire to transform me from the inside out, and to give me a hope that extends beyond this life on earth!
There aren’t words to express how thankful I am to be a recipient of God’s love and grace. The same love that he generously lavishes on any of us who turn to Him. Not because we can do something to earn it, or because we have the ability to figure it out on our own, but just because His love and grace are that vast. He is merciful to not punish us as we rightly deserve. Instead, His love extends far enough to reach us even when we’re at our worst.