I grew up with a terrifying God - a God waiting to punish, a God who was barely holding back his judgment. Then I actually started reading about who God is in Scripture, and it was so different.
Paul uses a word here - appeared. God's kindness and love became visible, took on form, showed up. Jesus is that appearance. And once I saw that, I couldn't unsee it. God is actually kind. That doesn't mean permissive, but kind - generous, gracious, full of patience.
That's reoriented my whole life. I'm less afraid and more grateful. I'm more willing to take risks because I'm not cowering before an angry God. I'm moving toward a God who actually likes me. That's the gospel.
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