The answer lies in the heart of Jesus.
He loves her. Each part of her. Every inch, inside and out. From her turquoise highlights to the fertility god tattooed on her ankle. From her MAC lipstick to her red Jimmy Choos.
The only thing he would change is her knowledge of His love for her. He wants her to know He adores her, that He delights in her, right now. Without changing anything. He is not waiting for her to stop smoking or to eat whole foods. He doesn’t want her to sell her car or put on a turtle neck. He wants her to know He died for her. Her looks, her behavior, her past means nothing to Him after the cross.
So, when I see a hot mess, he only sees a heart. He sees pain, struggles, fears and all he wants to do is heal them.
In my 40’s, after being a believer most of my life, I am just now learning about the immense love of Jesus. And I am in awe. I don’t know how I missed it. But, I am so grateful to know it now. Other’s may warn that this Jesus is too sentimental and a figment of my imagination. They say a God this gracious is watered down, but I have never seen a more vibrant God in my life. I can never unsee what He has shown me. And that kind of grace is contagious.
As I learn about how much he loves us, how much he loves me, I began to knock the dirt off and my judgment begins to diminish. I see what He sees. It’s like being given new eyes, because they are new. Seeing in the spirit, walking in the spirit, I see everything in a different light. I love in a different way, in a way I tried to manifest before that never felt like love.
To that mom at the store, I offer my most sincere apology. To the woman parked next to me, I am very sorry. I should have offered you a smile, a helping hand, or asked you out for coffee. I can’t promise it won’t happen again. But, each time I see a little clearer His daughters and HIs love. I pray you know how much He loves you, and that He died for you.
Or maybe you already know, and you are just doing your best, just like me.
Enter His Rest, Stacey
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you HOLY in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation. Colossians 1:21-22
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This article originally appeared at She Sat Down. Want more like this? Follow Stacey Todd’s She Sat Down on Facebook.
