God’s mercy and patience with us are beyond our ability to comprehend. He pursues us until we respond to Him. But sometimes rebellion or a hard heart makes us unreachable. I believe we can turn so far away from God in our stubbornness that we place ourselves out of His reach.

I shouldn’t complain about God’s mercy to others while thanking Him for His mercy to me. I shouldn’t commit the sin of pride by justifying my rebellion or my running from God compared to other people’s sin. Who am I to be angry at what the angels in Heaven rejoice in?

We will not be measured by the world’s standards anymore. We will be measured by the plumb line of God’s Word. We will be people who live out our Christianity by walking faithfully in obedience to God. We will love mercy and justice. We will love others the way God loves us— unconditionally, relentlessly, and with grace.

When we feel used and abused, the Bible says we are loved. When we feel abandoned, the Bible says we are never alone. When we feel rejected, the Bible says we are redeemed. When we feel lost, the Bible is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. When we feel worthless, the Bible says that we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do.

God needs loving, accepting, and compassionate people—not accepting of sin, but accepting God’s forgiveness of sin for all who repent. 

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.