What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Forgiveness sounds like a good idea… until it’s personal.

It’s easy to talk about forgiveness in theory.
Harder when it’s tied to something someone actually said.
Or did.
Or didn’t do when you needed them to.

Sometimes it’s a single moment.
Sometimes it’s something that’s been building for years.

And somewhere in all of that, a question starts to surface:

• What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
• Am I really supposed to forgive this?
• And what does forgiveness even mean?

If you’ve ever wrestled with that, you’re not alone.

What Is Forgiveness in the Bible?

When the Bible talks about forgiveness, it’s not pretending the hurt didn’t happen.

It’s not excusing it.
And it’s not saying it didn’t matter.

Forgiveness is choosing to release the weight of it.
To stop carrying what someone else did.
To let go of the need to hold it over them.

That’s not easy.
But it’s at the center of how God relates to us.

One verse puts it like this:
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12, NLT)

That’s not partial forgiveness.
That’s complete.

God doesn’t keep bringing it back up.
He doesn’t hold it over us.

And then we’re given this invitation:
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you…” (Colossians 3:13, NLT)

Not because it’s easy.
But because we’ve experienced it ourselves.

Forgiveness Isn’t Just a Concept… It’s Personal

One of the most powerful moments in the Bible happens when Jesus is on the cross.

In the middle of pain, betrayal, and injustice, He says:
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NLT)

That’s not theoretical forgiveness.
That’s real.

And it shows us something important:

Forgiveness isn’t about the other person earning it.
It’s about choosing it anyway.

Why Forgiveness Matters

This is where it gets honest.
Because holding onto hurt can feel justified.

And sometimes it feels like:
“If I forgive, I’m letting them off the hook.”

But forgiveness isn’t about letting them off the hook.
It’s about not keeping yourself tied to it.

Jesus said:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NLT)

Unforgiveness is heavy.

It shows up as:

• replaying conversations
• tension you can’t shake
• distance in relationships
• or just a constant undercurrent of frustration

Forgiveness doesn’t change the past.
But it can change what you carry forward.

What Does the Bible Say About Asking for Forgiveness?

Forgiveness isn’t just something we give.
It’s something we receive.

And this part is often easier to overlook.

The Bible says:
“If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” (1 John 1:9, NLT)

Not reluctant.
Not hesitant.

Faithful.

That means you don’t have to clean yourself up first.
You don’t have to have the perfect words.

It can be as simple as:
“God, I know I got this wrong. I need your help.”

And forgiveness isn’t earned—it’s given.

How Do You Actually Forgive Someone?

This is where it gets real.

Because forgiving someone who hurt you isn’t a one-time moment.
Sometimes it’s a process.

Here are a few simple ways to begin:

1. Start with honesty
You don’t have to pretend it didn’t hurt.
God can handle the truth.

2. Make the choice (even if the feeling isn’t there yet)
Forgiveness is often a decision before it’s a feeling.
You may not feel ready.
But you can still take a step.

3. Pray for them (even if it feels awkward)
Jesus said:
“Pray for those who hurt you.” (Matthew 5:44, NLT)
Not because they deserve it.
But because it begins to shift something in you.

4. Let go of the need to get even
The Bible says:
“Never take revenge… leave that to God.” (Romans 12:19, NLT)
Forgiveness is choosing not to carry the role of judge.

5. Rely on God’s strength, not just your own
Because sometimes it feels impossible.
And honestly, on your own—it might be.
But you don’t have to do this alone.

You Don’t Have to Carry It Forever

What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
It says:

• You’ve been forgiven
• You can be forgiven
• And you can begin to forgive

Not perfectly.
Not instantly.
But genuinely.

If you’re holding onto something right now, maybe the next step isn’t fixing everything.
Maybe it’s just starting the process.
Letting go, a little at a time.

You’re Not Alone in This

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we’re asked to do.
But it’s also one of the most freeing.

And if you’re working through something right now, you don’t have to do it on your own.
If you’re local to the St. Petersburg area, we’d love to help you find a next step—whether that’s a conversation, a group, or just a place to begin.

Because getting closer to God often starts right in the middle of real life… not after everything is figured out.

What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety and Depression?

It doesn’t always show up all at once.

Sometimes it’s the racing thoughts when your head hits the pillow.
Sometimes it’s that tight feeling in your chest you can’t quite explain.
Sometimes it’s just a heaviness that follows you through the day, even when everything around you seems fine.

Anxiety and depression have a way of making you feel alone… even when you’re not.

And if you have any kind of faith background, it can raise even bigger questions:

• What does the Bible say about anxiety?
• What does the Bible say about depression?
  
• Where is God in all of this?

If you’ve ever wondered those things, you’re not the only one.

You’re Not the First to Feel This

One of the most surprising things about the Bible is how honest it is about human struggle.

It doesn’t hide anxiety.
It doesn’t ignore depression.
It actually brings those emotions into the open.

David, who wrote many of the Psalms, once said:

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God…” (Psalm 42:11, NLT)

That’s not polished or put together.
That’s real.

Elijah, a prophet who had just seen God do something incredible, later found himself so overwhelmed that he asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19).

And what’s striking is how God responded.

Not with frustration.
Not with a lecture.

But with care.

He gave Elijah rest.
Food.
Space to recover.

It’s a reminder that anxiety and depression aren’t signs that you’ve failed.
They’re part of being human in a broken world.

What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety?

When it comes to anxiety, the Bible doesn’t pretend it isn’t there.
But it does gently redirect where we take it.

One of the most well-known Bible verses about anxiety says:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything… Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” (Philippians 4:6–7, NLT)

That’s not a command to “just stop worrying.”
It’s an invitation.

Bring it to God.
Be honest about it.
Don’t carry it alone.

Jesus said something similar:

“Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34, NLT)

Anxiety often pulls us into the future—into “what if” and “what might happen.”
Jesus gently brings us back to today.

To this moment.

To the reminder that we’re not meant to hold everything all at once.

What Does the Bible Say About Depression?

Depression can feel heavier.
Less like worry… and more like weight.

The Bible doesn’t shy away from that either.

It says:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:18, NLT)

Not distant.
Not disappointed.

Close.

That doesn’t mean the feeling disappears overnight.
But it does mean you’re not alone in it.

Another verse says:

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT)

That’s hard to accept sometimes.
Because most of us would rather feel strong.

But there’s something honest—and even freeing—about admitting:
“I don’t have this right now.”

And discovering that God meets us there.

What About Stress and Mental Health?

Stress is often what builds underneath everything else.

Too much responsibility.
Too many expectations.
Not enough margin.

The Bible speaks into that too:

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NLT)

That word cares matters.

This isn’t about checking a religious box.
It’s about relationship.

You matter to God.
What you’re carrying matters to Him.

Practical Ways to Navigate Anxiety and Depression

Faith matters, but so do practical steps.
The Bible points us toward both.

Here are a few simple places to start:

1. Talk to God honestly
Not perfectly. Just honestly.
Some days that might look like a full prayer.
Other days it might just be:
“God, I don’t even know what to say.”
That’s enough.

2. Let someone in
Anxiety and depression grow in isolation.
Talking to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor can make a real difference.
You don’t have to carry this by yourself.

3. Take care of your body
Sleep, nutrition, movement—it all matters more than we sometimes realize.
Even in the Bible, when Elijah was overwhelmed, God started with rest and food before anything else.

4. Find community
Being around others—even when you don’t feel like it—can help more than you expect.
There’s something powerful about being known, even in small ways.

5. Consider professional help
Seeing a counselor or therapist isn’t a lack of faith.
It’s often part of how God brings healing.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
What does the Bible say about anxiety and depression?

It says that struggle is real.
It says that you’re not the only one who’s felt this way.
And it says that God is near—even here.

If you’re walking through anxiety or depression right now, take one small step.

Talk to someone.
Pray honestly.
Reach out.

And if you’re local to the St. Petersburg, FL area, we’d love to help you find community—whether that’s a group, a conversation, or just a place to start.

Because getting closer to God was never meant to be something you do on your own.

We're Better Together!

Helpful Resources for Anxiety and Depression

If you’re looking for support, here are a few trusted options:

• Christian Counseling Services – ChristianCareConnect.com

• The Joy FM Prayer Line – Available 24/7 if you just need someone to pray with you. Call or Text: 877-800-7729
• The Pause App – Simple guided moments to help you slow down and reconnect: https://wildatheart.org/pause
• Lectio 365 App (24/7 Prayer) – Daily reflections that combine Scripture, prayer, and quiet: https://lectio365.com
• Abide App – Christian meditation and prayer: https://abide.com

Sometimes just having something to guide your thoughts, even for a few minutes, can make a difference. If you’re in immediate danger or having thoughts of harming yourself, please don’t wait, call 911 or reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988 (available 24/7 in the U.S. and Canada). There are people ready to listen and help, and you don’t have to carry this alone.

Life is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. Over the past eight weeks, I've been on a roller coaster, dealing with health challenges that just wouldn't let up. A simple course of antibiotics turned into a nagging worry, leaving me with more questions than answers. Add to that the pressures of planning an event, some big home maintenance issues, car repairs, and my church staff responsibilities, the stress was piling up.

Then one day, something as mundane as spilled salad dressing brought me to a standstill. I just sat there, head in my hands, feeling utterly defeated.

Ever been there? Those moments when life's worries seem to just pile up, and you don't know how to move forward?

In the middle of this chaos, God showed me Romans 8:6: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." This verse spoke directly to my heart, offering a way out from where I was stuck.

I realized I had been focusing on all the wrong things. My mind, overwhelmed by worldly concerns, had lost sight of God's presence. But, as I was reminded during Tyler's recent message, Ephesians 6:10-12 says, our struggles are spiritual, and the peace we seek is not found in the physical.

Sharing my struggles with the guys in my group, I was met with open arms, prayers, and words of encouragement. A fellow pastor even gave me a book that is helping me better understand and live into my true identity as a deeply loved child of God. In embracing this truth, I began to find rest and peace in Him.

It's not about avoiding the stressors or pretending they don't exist. It's about knowing that we can lay them at the feet of Jesus and trust Him to guide us. As we focus our minds and hearts on God, we can experience life and peace.

My journey is far from over, and yours may be too. But here's my hope: if you're feeling weighed down by life's pressures, know that there is freedom when you embrace the identity God gives you as His deeply loved child. His peace is available at all times if you'll fix your mind on Him with a simple prayer of 'Come Holy Spirit.' Remember, as Sons and Daughters of the King, we have a Father who loves us, and in His love, we find our deepest peace.

For a long time now, I've carried the weight of expectations—both my own and others'—on my shoulders. Always striving to accomplish more, prove myself, and control every aspect of my overfull schedule, the strain had slowly been taking its toll. Lately, anxiety had begun to creep in as my resources felt dangerously low.

During this busy season of life, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters most. As I listened to Pastor Tyler preach on worshipping God wholeheartedly instead of allowing "idols" to steer our focus, his message really struck a chord. He reminded us that anything we put before God in our lives—whether trivial distractions or deeper addictions to approval, success or control—becomes an idol pulling us away from true rest.

I faced the truth - my identity was no longer firmly rooted in Christ. The idols of performance and perfection I fed, like productivity, always expect more and more, leaving me feeling drained yet unable to slow down.

That's when it hit me, or rather the Holy Spirit reminded me—I'd forgotten who I am. As a child of the King, empowered by the Holy Spirit, all my value and security lies in being deeply loved by God alone. I don't have to perform or prove anything, because my worth isn't defined by what I do but whose I am. This truth sets the captive free.

It was time to repent from futile self-sufficiency and re-center every area of my life around Christ once more. When I surrender it all back to him - my schedule, worries, weakness - perfect peace washes over my anxiety. Now, with his grace as my fuel each morning, I'm excited to see where he leads me one day at a time. There really is freedom to be found in full surrender.

It's not that I have arrived, far from it, but now I can embrace this time for the spiritual transformation that is happening and give praise and gratitude to God for it.

My hope is that this message of true rest in God reaches anyone weary from living under the demands of idols. Come, lay it all down at the feet of Jesus. In him, your soul will find its deepest desires fully satisfied.

As someone who works at a church, it’s easy to assume I have worship figured out. But if I’m honest, my worship is often compartmentalized rather than continuous.

I pray in the morning, then dive into tasks. Days pass where I power through my to-do list but fail to connect to God’s presence. I’m burning out on busyness rather than basking in peace.

Last Sunday, Pastor Tyler delivered a convicting message, reminding us that true worship goes beyond Sunday habits. Using Romans 12:1, he explained that real worship is devoting our entire selves as an offering to God. Not just singing, but honoring Him with our thoughts, work, resources, bodies, minds, and hearts.

I realized I routinely put God in a box, limiting my opportunities for worship. I live most moments functioning as if He exists only for Sunday mornings, neglecting to worship Him minute-by-minute.

But God is worthy at ALL times, not just when church services occur. As Tyler emphasized – God wants all of us, not just compartmentalized pieces.

This truth resonated deeply, revealing my need to expand beyond surface-level worship. I want to honor God not just with songs, but with my speech, decisions, work, finances, and everything in between.

You see, worship isn’t ultimately for me. It’s centered on glorifying God’s name in all I do. I must guard against subtly worshipping other idols like busyness or pride.

My goal must be delighting in and revering God above all, from sunrise to sunset. Making worship a 24/7 lifestyle. There is no “ordinary” part of life outside God’s reign and worthiness.

What about you? Do you need to broaden your perspective on true worship? Let’s honor God moment-by-moment, offering Him our whole selves.

May our motivation be clear – to glorify God’s name, not simply satisfy our souls. Let’s lay down lesser idols and worship Him with all we are. Who’s ready to seize every moment?

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
Let's Chat - Part 2 (Embracing God's Better Story)
by Andy Holliday

The Bible is no ordinary book. Its pages contain an epic drama that reveals life's deepest questions and God's unfolding answers across the centuries.

While penned by over 40 authors over 1500 years, a unified story emerges. From start to finish, the Bible follows humanity's estrangement from God and God's persistence in pursuing people with grace despite this unfaithfulness. Throughout its pages, God continuously draws wayward people back into relationship with Himself. The biblical narrative spans from creation to new creation, chronicling the human condition and God's unrelenting love for His fallen creation.

This overarching story reaches its climax in Christ, who redeems humanity through his loving sacrifice on the cross and his conquering death through resurrection. When Jesus said "it is finished" upon the cross, he meant humanity's estrangement from God was reconciled and restored. The Bible's diverse books culminate in this saving solution.

Unlike texts from other ancient faiths, we can have full confidence in the reliability of the biblical manuscripts. There are thousands more existing ancient copies of both the Old and New Testaments than other works from antiquity. Additionally, the earliest manuscripts are dated much closer to the original writings than other ancient texts that historians consider trustworthy. This affirms that the Bibles we hold today accurately reflect the original writings.

The Bible is more than a human book - it is "God-breathed," inspired by the Spirit with power to bring new life to all who embrace its message. The Holy Spirit enlightens Scripture to awaken our souls and transform our lives as we engage its words. When the information in the Bible combines with the inspiration of the Spirit, it brings about transformation in the reader. God's Word enlightened by the Spirit enlivens God's people.

By embracing the Bible's story as our own, it reshapes us into people who live out God's love. The transformative narrative in Scripture reorients every aspect of our lives to align with God's gracious purposes for the world. It forms our identity and mission as people called to proclaim God's grace.

The Bible chronicles God continuously moving towards creation with love despite humanity's brokenness. This loving pursuit finds its ultimate embodiment in Jesus. Though fully God, Jesus took on flesh to sacrifice himself for us. His life, death and resurrection make Christ the definitive revelation of God's grace.

But the story does not end there. Jesus' life is now carried on through the lives of ordinary people transformed by God's love. When we embrace the biblical narrative, we become agents of the same undeserved favor towards others that Jesus demonstrated. We are empowered to live as God's restored people shining His goodness in the darkness.

Just as God was fully with Adam and Eve at creation's beginning in the Garden, the Bible promises God will again be fully with His people at the restoration of all things. One day, God will dwell with us in a new creation cleansed of all sin, pain and brokenness.

The Bible is God's story that shapes us as people of his love. May we commit to engaging with Scripture each day, so that through God's Word we grow in understanding his redemptive purposes and are increasingly transformed into agents of his grace. God's grand narrative awaits all who open their Bibles.

This post was inspired by the following message.

How Do We Know God Exists? Satisfying the Longing of Our Soul
Let's Chat - Part 1 (Created for our Creator)
by Andy Holliday

Since the beginning of time, humanity has questioned if God exists. We've turned to science, philosophy, and personal experience to find the answer. Cosmological, ontological, and teleological arguments have been debated for centuries. But at our core, I believe there is a deeper way we come to know God - through the innate longing of our soul.

The Bible opens with the account of God creating the heavens, the earth, and everything in them in precise order and design. On the sixth day, God formed man from the dust and “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Gen 2:7). At this moment, the man became a “living being” or in Hebrew, a “living soul.”

Our soul is the God-breathed, divine imprint within us that makes us more than just physical matter. It’s the part of us that intuitively cries out for purpose and meaning, seeking after our Creator. We may try to satisfy this craving through earthly means - work, relationships, knowledge - but it only finds ultimate rest and fulfillment in God.

King David gave voice to this longing in the Psalms: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Our soul innately senses its origin in God and thirsts to return to its Source. We were created for intimate relationship with God.

At just the right time in history, Jesus Christ came to restore this lost connection. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest for your souls” (Matt 11:28). Christ reconnects us to the Father, satisfying the deepest longings of our soul. He took the burden of sin upon himself, giving us access to intimate relationship with God once again.

The intricacies and design of the cosmos point to an intelligent Creator. The moral law written on our hearts points to a holy God. And the innate thirst of our soul points to a relational God who wants to be known. Jesus, the visible image of the invisible God, offers to quench the thirst of our soul through personal relationship with him. He gives our lives meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.

Has your soul been longing for more? Have earthly pursuits left you empty? Jesus invites you to come to him in faith and discover the profound purpose you were created for – to connect with God, know Him deeply, and glorify Him through a satisfied soul.

This post was inspired by the following message.

Letting Go of Hate: Finding Freedom in Forgiveness and God's Unconditional Love
Check Yourself - Part 3 (The FREEDOM of Forgiveness)
by Curtis Thomas

Thirteen years ago, my wife and I left a very toxic church environment. 

I was a youth pastor in a larger church in Texas. During my first year on staff, the Lead Pastor retired, and the hunt for a replacement was underway. In the absence of that leadership, influential families started to fill the holes of leadership only to press their personal agenda in the church. As the youth pastor to their teenagers, much of that agenda was focused on me.

I’ll be the first to say, as a young ministry leader at the time, I did not handle the conflict well or with integrity. There was much to blame on me. But, honestly, it felt like a battle - not for souls - for control in the church. And, in their eyes, I was expendable.

After a year of conflict, there came a moment when I sat face-to-face with one of the families in an attempt to “manage conflict.” Naively, I walked into this meeting, hoping for a resolution. Instead, it was about what I would do differently to appease them. Then it happened.

“I hate these people,” I thought to myself.

These families, parents of students in the youth ministry, whom I was to be a pastor to, became the greatest enemies of my heart, and I hated them for it. I wanted them to suffer as I had suffered. No! Worse than I had suffered. I wanted vengeance. I wanted justice. 

I was drowning in resentment and bitterness. And my soul burned with fire for them to pay for what they have put me through. The next day, I turned in my resignation.

It’s part of the human condition to demand vengeance. If someone wrongs us, then we want justice. If someone strikes us, then we strike harder. If someone offends us, then to hell with them.

When I turned in my resignation, I felt like I lost the battle. I felt defeated because they won. They got what they wanted, and I was expendable. But my prayers became dark and ungodly. My walk with God suffered. I was hurting, and they didn’t care. And I wanted them to pay.

I carried that hate for a while. It affected my relationship with my family. It affected my next job. It affected my ability to trust the church. And it affected my ability to trust anyone inside the church. The hate I held onto was killing me when I wished it would destroy them instead.

They carried on with their lives, never disrupted by my feelings. No matter how much I tried to hate these people, they never felt a thing. The only one suffering was me. That’s the interesting thing about hate. It destroys the one holding it before it affects anyone else.

I would say that I forgave them, but my heart still held on to the pain. I could reject contact with them, but in my whispers were curses over their household. Something had to shift.

Before anything else, I had to begin with God’s forgiveness. “...forgiving one another just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:32)

“Yeah, but God,” I would say, “do you remember what they did to me? Do you remember the pain and hurt they caused me? Do you recall all the stress, anxiety, and worry I had to endure? Do you remember me at all?”

Weeks and months would go by trying to reason with God about my need for vengeance. Yet he always would say to me, “I did remember you. I remembered you in Jesus’ final words, ‘It is finished.’ I remembered you in the following three days of silence. I remembered you when the first breath returned to Jesus’ lungs from the tomb.” 

The sin in my life and the wrongs that I have committed were all forgiven because of Jesus. God had every reason to hate me and reject me. But he didn’t. He remembered me through the pain and hurt, rejection, stress, and anxiety. He forgave me.

Through all my sins, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you” (Psalm 86:5).

It took much time to fully grasp the impact of God’s love for me and wrestle with the truth of forgiveness. My heart had been dismantled because of hate, which didn’t make healing easy. But, as much as I wanted to hate those families, the more God’s love overcame it. As much as I was crushed, I was never abandoned.

Three years later, I sent a letter to the families asking for their forgiveness as I let go of the hate I held against them. I never received a response, but that's okay. I couldn’t hold on to that period of my life anymore. I was forgiving them.

I look back on that season of life 13 years removed from it and am deeply grateful for the Lord’s handiwork in my heart during that time. I was in a very dark place, and he met me there. He reshaped me and revealed something even greater than I could have imagined: his love.

Honestly, it doesn’t make sense sometimes. I don’t think it ever will. But God’s love is more powerful than we could ever imagine. The more that I am in the middle of his love, the less I care to hate anyone. And there is no better place to be.

This post was inspired by the following message.

That’s the Power of Love
Check Yourself - Part 2 (Better Interactions With Others)
by Curtis Thomas

Love, a force that transcends barriers and speaks to the core of our souls, is often challenging to express adequately. Throughout history, we have attempted to capture its essence in various forms, from words and stories to poetry and music.

Yet, even with these heartfelt endeavors, we find ourselves yearning for something more- an expression that truly encompasses the depth of love's power.

Music is unique among the myriad ways we try to articulate love. It is the universal language that unites people across diverse cultures and languages. People from opposite sides of the world can listen to the same song and feel moved, regardless of their differences.
Love, in particular, has an affinity for music, compelling us to sing and express ourselves through melodies when we fall in love. And that goes well beyond cultural and language barriers.

But why is it that music resonates so deeply within us? How is it that the same song can touch countless hearts?

The answer lies in the fact that love is an experience surpassing verbal limitations. It transcends words and finds its expression in emotions, where music thrives.

Throughout generations, love is sung in countless ways. We find ourselves drawn to ancient verses, timeless ballads, and modern hits, all attempting to capture the essence of love. From The Beatles proclaiming, "All you need is love," to Katy Perry declaring, "I will love you unconditionally," these songs evoke powerful emotions and resonate with the listener.

However, despite the vast repertoire of love songs that we know, they pale in comparison to the love of God. Though beautiful and profound, the love we experience in our daily lives is simply overshadowed by the overwhelming love of our Creator.

God's love is unparalleled, immeasurable, and unfathomable.

Imagine hearing the Creator of the Universe declare this to you:

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Can you fathom the depth of such love? Can you grasp the magnitude of the song God sings over each of us?

No earthly words or expressions can fully capture the divine love that God lavishes upon us. Our feeble attempts at love fall short in comparison. The love we experience in human relationships, whether the exhilaration of falling in love or the overwhelming joy of holding a newborn, is a mere fraction of God's boundless love for us.

It is a love that surpasses understanding and defies explanation. Words are inadequate, and actions fall short, but still, we are left with a love that is all-encompassing, consuming, and powerful.

In the grand symphony of love, where words and melodies intermingle, let us remember that the love we receive from God is unparalleled. It is a love that surpasses anything we could ever comprehend, even while we try to reflect it daily in the world around us.

It is the song of Jesus’ life, leaving heaven to be born on earth only to die on the cross for a punishment that was rightfully ours and not his. And he did it so willingly. Moreso, this boundless love is portrayed in the first contraction of Jesus’ lungs, filling his body with oxygen and bringing life to his limp body buried in a tomb.

To begin comprehending how one can imitate God’s love, we must grapple with the love that has been divinely placed on us through the song of Jesus Christ. His song is the most perfect, beautiful, harmonious melody we may ever hear throughout eternity. And it resonates across all of creation.

This post was inspired by the following message.

The Drift is Real
Check Yourself - Part 1 (Guard Your Heart)
by Curtis Thomas

It isn't a new realization that the spiritual care of our hearts often takes a backseat in our lives. We feel the internal conflict daily, pulled by technology and entertainment, worldly pursuits, relationships and the obligations that come with those relationships, cultural obstacles, and much more.

We have a curiosity about God and the reason for our existence. Yet, the hunger for understanding and growing in that curiosity is overshadowed by the ordinary, everyday worries accompanying life. Unless there is an intentional effort on our part and a discipline of pursuit, we don't naturally drift toward God.

And I may be the greatest offender.

I deeply desire a growing relationship with God. And for over 22 years, my love for Jesus has grown immensely. However, my most significant spiritual plight in those 22 years has been the "shiny objects" that the world around me offers to keep me distracted:

...New movies and shows? Yes, please. Every day for hours at a time.

...Technology and social media? Yes, please. Endless scrolling of TikTok till way too late in the night.

...Materialism and consumerism? Yes, please. There is always something new I want to play with.

...Books and podcasts? Yes, please. Anything to take my mind off of my issues for a while.

...Busy and overcommitted schedules? Yes, please. If I say "No," to somebody, what does that say about me as a person?

This isn't to say that we need to bunker down and remove all forms of entertainment and pleasure from our lives so that we can solely read scripture and pray 24 hours a day. No.

But, if we don't understand the danger that is before us, if we fail to guard our hearts in a world of distractions, we miss out on one of God's greatest blessings!
 
Jesus explains it this way in John 10:7-10:
Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance."

The life Jesus offers to us goes far beyond attending church on Sunday, not cussing as much, and trying to be kind to the people at Taco Bell (who are taking forever to get your order!!). It extends pasts consuming a Christian book or podcast regularly. It's more than the daily sharing of spiritual memes, including scriptures, on Instagram.

The life that Jesus offers is life experienced today through the only One who sustains life ultimately. Jesus didn't come to suck the fun out of everything. Instead, Jesus gives meaning and purpose to the experiences we have every day.
 
But, even though this life is available to you and me, it doesn't mean we drift toward it easily. Like any relationship we have, it takes work from both sides to nurture it.
 
That means spending time with and talking with the other person. This means sharing experiences with the other person, trusting the other person, and intentionally leaning into the relationship. Because if we don't do this, we naturally drift away from that relationship.

So, the life that Jesus offers is very accessible to you and me. It's there to take. Are we going to take it? Will we lean in and enjoy life now, not just after death? If so, it will take intentionality on our part.

It will take determination to know God through the reading of the Bible. It will require removing distractions to spend time in prayer. It will take showing up to church and biblical community when we feel like unplugging in front of the TV. It will take working on the words we say and modifying our actions.

Lean in! Because leaning into the life that Jesus offers doesn't restrict us but frees us. That life is abundant. It is fulfilling. And it is everything our hearts need to survive this world of distractions.

How do you lean in? Here are some things I try to implement weekly:

1. Intentional time to read and reflect on God's word. Sometimes, it is hard to read the Bible and understand it. So I utilize apps and resources to help walk through it (The Bible App, Dwell App, Blue Letter Bible App).
2. Evaluate the distractions in my life and seek to remove them - one at a time. Many times, I ask the people around me to hold me accountable for this as well ("Hey, you've been spending a lot of time on TikTok lately.")
3. Engage in biblical community. Whether that is the church, a life group, a class, or mentoring, I surround myself with others striving to experience God's fullness and gain from their influence.
4. Stay committed. Because of sin, we will continue to fight for spiritual health. It's a challenging thing, but it's worth it. God is worth it. And a relationship with God is worth it.

This post was inspired by the following message.

Remembering God's Faithfulness
How to know God's will - Part 7
by Rhonda Jackson

If you’re lucky enough to have traveled on the clean and efficient train or subway system in Europe, you may have heard the warning to “mind the gap” as you exit the car. Apparently, someone decided that we needed a reminder not to step in the space between the train and the platform, lest we twist an ankle or worse. And if you’ve ever read the Bible, you may have noticed a recurring theme, highlighting the gap between what we profess to believe and how we act and react in real life.  

Perhaps we point and chuckle at the Israelites in the book of Exodus.  They witnessed God’s wrath in the form of plagues in Egypt; they saw water turn to blood, frogs littering the landscape, and three days of total darkness - yet when they were pinned against the Red Sea, they despaired. They were given manna in the desert - a literal gift from heaven to keep them from starving - yet lost hope when Moses disappeared for forty days.

We might roll our eyes at the apostles in the New Testament, who witnessed Jesus lay hands on lepers and cure them, touch the eyes of the blind and restore their sight, and speak to the Centurion and heal his son…without even being there!...but who were pretty sure they were seeing a ghost as Christ walked towards them on water. Who cowered, terrified, in a boat on a stormy sea, even when Jesus was in that same boat. Their teacher told them He would suffer and die yet they despaired at His death and mourned the end of His mission and ministry.  

Of course, we modern-day Christians read Scripture with the gift of foresight - we know that God led the Israelites out of slavery and that Christ’s story was far from over when he was crucified and died! It’s easy to poke fun at the disciples’ lack of faith in spite of all they had seen with their own eyes - but don’t we still do the same? We cower in our own boats of fear and forget the times we survived whatever “plague” caused our terror. We see a situation as hopeless and a world that seems to fall further every day, while worshiping a God who reminded us - promised us -  that we would have problems, but that He would overcome and prevail. We grieve and mourn those we loved and lost, sometimes even railing at God - how could you? - because we’re just as human and dimwitted as His disciples and we let our emotions overrun our conviction, forgetting that, as we leave this life, God has a place prepared for us with Him! (John 14:3)

The gap between life and belief is most obvious when we’re struggling.    Rather than beating ourselves up, we read the Bible to remember - that even those who saw Jesus in the flesh struggled with their faith. We read their testimonies and feel encouraged. And we write our own stories of frailty versus faith, so that those who come after us might see our flawed humanity - and God’s mighty power.  

You gain confidence to walk in God’s will when you remember God’s faithfulness in the past.  

This post was inspired by the following message.

Choosing God's Will Over All The Options
How to know God's will - Part 6
by Rhonda Jackson

Ask a serious motorcycle enthusiast or mountain biker about target fixation and you may see them shudder. A bike tends to go where its rider is looking; if the rider becomes overly focused on an obstacle, they crash right into it. Similarly, this phenomenon occurs in cars, when our eyes become so fixated on, say, the police car’s flashing lights and the auto in the breakdown lane, we veer right into them. An internet search called “crashes on the shoulder” illustrates target fixation in a graphic and terrifying way! The solution to target fixation: Don’t look where you don’t want to go!

As followers of Christ, we stand to learn a lot from this phenomenon. To say that our modern world is full of distractions would be a laughable understatement, but it’s far from a new concept. We need only travel as far as 3 chapters in Genesis to see how the serpent took Adam and Eve’s focus away from everything they had and redirected it to the one thing they didn’t – the forbidden fruit. The enemy specializes in distractions, longing for us to fixate on the negative: our past hurts, our present seemingly hopeless situations, and our uncertain futures. But God has a better idea; one the apostle Paul expresses in Ephesians 1:9-11:

God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

In Christ, God’s plans encompass our pasts – He knew us and chose us as His own before we were even born – our presents – we are united with Christ, who sent the Holy Spirit as His advocate and helper – and our futures – He will bring all things together under His authority.  Paul uses a Greek word for this “summing up,” in which all the pieces of our lives fall into place and are given meaning by our God, who exists at the center of life itself: anakephaalaiosasthai. Say it with me! Or not!

Paul uses a simpler word to explain WHY God would lavish His Holy Spirit on us, in Ephesians 1:14 : He did this so we would praise and glorify him. As we redirect our thoughts to Christ, fixating on His truth, His sacrifice, and His great and overwhelming love for us, we find ourselves in a posture of PRAISE. As we focus on God throughout the day – praising Him in gratitude for our food, clothing, and shelter, praising Him in choosing to honor our bodies, our families, and our vocations – as we praise Him on PURPOSE – His Spirit lifts ours! When the object of our target fixation is Jesus Christ; when we invite Him into every aspect of our past, present, and future, when we praise Him in the everyday rhythms of life, we open the door for His Spirit to shine!

God’s will is made more clear through our praise!

This post was inspired by the following message.

Getting From Here To There
How to know God's will - Part 5
by Rhonda Jackson

It was semi-scandalous, in 1981, when Lady Diana Spencer opted to omit the word obey from her marriage vows to Prince Charles, revoking not only royal tradition but also the Anglican Book of Prayer, the very source of her wedding rite. Most of us would never imagine being asked to obey our spouse – let alone promising to in church, in front of our families and friends! Even the phrase an obedient child conjures up an image of a smiling schoolboy in short pants with a frog hidden in his pocket and a sarcastic halo around his head.

Modern-day men and women tend to associate obedience with being controlled, following seemingly random mandates, and suspecting that the ones making the rules aren’t really following them! But Biblical obedience isn’t about a controlling God pronouncing edicts and “thou shalt not or else” pronouncements. Obedience to God isn’t about compliance so that we can be saved – salvation came through Christ and His obedience. Biblical obedience requires submission; we don’t cower out of fear of God and what He might do if we slip up, we submit to His authority. We work to emulate Jesus and follow His guidance because we recognize that His plan – His greatest desire is to give us life in abundance (John 10:10).  

One of the Greek words used in the New Testament for obey is TRUST. Like children who don’t understand why we don’t reach our hand up to a hot stove but respect our parents’ command not to, trusting the Lord with our lives makes sense as we become spiritually mature. We want to please God, not to get brownie points in heaven, but out of reverence for our Heavenly Father. If Jesus were just some guy in the Bible, then obedience to Him would be absurd – but Jesus is God; the creator of the universe…and of you and me.  

Adult believers who struggle with the concept of obedience need only to go to God’s Word to discover its many benefits:

Whoever comes to me, I will never drive away. (John 6:37) Salvation!

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) Refreshment!

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you. (John 14:26) Knowledge and help!

And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. (John 14:3) An eternal home in heaven!

These are just a few of God’s promises!

Obedience doesn’t become a losing game of trying to be perfect to please Jesus. Instead, we allow Him to pour into the God shaped hole in each of us that only He can fill – and to saturate us with a peace and wholeness that only He can provide.

God’s will is experienced in steps of obedience.  

This post was inspired by the following message.

Your Purpose Is In Action
How to know God's will - Part 4
by Rhonda Jackson

The true story of Jesus – and then Peter – walking on water in Matthew 14 is one of the most dramatic in all of Scripture. If you’re someone who gets a little seasick just looking at a rocking boat, the thought of sailing in a storm is scary, and knowing the disciples were far from shore heightens the terror. We might guess that seasoned sailors like Peter and Andrew were accustomed to bad weather – but we can be absolutely sure they never saw anyone walking on the water.  

Peter’s humanity shines in all of the gospels, but never more than when he’s afraid: As he watches Jesus transfigured before his very eyes, he blurts something about building three tents for them, for he did not know what to say, for they were terrified (Mark 9). When his beloved Teacher foretells his fate on the cross, a confused and confounded Peter blurts This shall never happen! until Jesus sets him straight (Matthew 16) – and finally, when his own life is at stake for being a disciple of the Lord, Peter, in his terror, denies that he even knows Jesus! (Luke 22). Peter makes an admirable apostle because we not only chuckle at his cowardice but also occasionally relate to it!  

But Peter’s impulsiveness serves him well in Matthew’s gospel as he demonstrates the very basics of faith; the ABCs, if you will. His AUDACITY as he challenges Jesus – Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water! Occasionally, our faith requires fearlessness that borders on impudence: consider Rosa Park’s refusal and how it turned the tide of civil rights. Peter’s BOLDNESS in suggesting such a thing sounds shocking, but Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach God boldly, unafraid to ask for miracles and pray big prayers. Peter embodies COURAGE, as he actually steps out of the boat and onto the water, forever sealing an image in our brain that serves as the very metaphor for our own faith – If you want to walk on water, you’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat! (John Ortberg).

Too often, when Christ commands us to “Come!” (Matthew 14:29) – we hit pause rather than play. We overthink, we ruminate, we rephrase the question and hope for a different answer.  We’re appalled at Peter as he shoots off his mouth but also attracted to his very humanity; we relate to his ill temper and the way he so often speaks without thinking. But Peter serves as a modern-day role model: moved by audacity and boldness, he courageously steps out.  When his eyes are on Jesus, he walks on water. When he looks around at the waves and wind; at the odds against what he’s doing, he sinks. We modern-day disciples would do well to follow his example!  

God’s will for your life is on the other side of putting your faith into action.

This post was inspired by the following message.

The Spirit Speaks Through Church Family
How to know God's will - Part 3
by Rhonda Jackson

A few years ago, I was blessed to see - live and in person -  a woman who I had been watching preach on various TV stations and her own website for over 20 years.  Excited by the beautiful venue and the hum of the crowd, I waited for her to take the stage after the worship music.  In my mind’s eye, my arms were open, and I was thinking, “I’m ready!  What are you going to bring me tonight?” like a kid on Christmas Eve.

And a kind of weird thing happened. As  I sat and watched and listened,  feeling receptive and thinking bring on the blessing! -- I started to feel love and energy emanating out of me, towards my spiritual “mom,” the little woman on the stage, when I had fully expected this energy from her.  Over the next few days at the conference I was indeed blessed, but I felt my posture change – physically and spiritually – from one of expectation to one of pure support and love.  

Maybe it’s just me, but occasionally, my time at church mirrors this experience.  I enter with an expectation, humming  Janet Jackson’s What have you done for me lately? rather than Stevie Wonder’s Here I am, baby -  signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours! I have left churches with the excuse of not being fed while bringing nothing to the table myself.  

We may read Acts 2:42-47 with those same spiritual rolling of  eyes. Of course they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings – they didn’t have real jobs/gas prices/troubled kids/bills to pay/a Twitter feed to tend to - without pausing to consider the false gods to whom we’ve devoted our time, treasure, and talent.  Or, Sure they were in awe watching wonders and signs; many of them had experienced Christ in person! - while missing the miracles in front of us: another sunset, the light in our children’s eyes, our friend who is now cancer free.  
Selling possessions and distributing them to the needy and home churches may sound weird and Woodstock-y, but it’s impossible not to be blessed when we tithe or donate or cook a meal for a grieving friend.  Our prayer life can be similarly affected: Lord, you kinda missed the mark there; You didn’t come through for me, so I’m done here rather than Thank you Father…I’m alive!

Just as physical slouching affects not only our posture but also our digestion, circulation, and balance, while standing up straight  improves our health – spiritual slouching relates to attitude; our faith feels dry and brittle and we affect a posture of expectation, as though our spiritual mentor/church/pastor/God owes us something.  But when we devote ourselves, as the first Apostles, to Christ’s teaching, we stand erect, directing our attention outward, asking How can I serve you today, Lord?  Who can I bless?

God’s will for your life will be discovered more in your giving than in your receiving.  

This post was inspired by the following message.

God's Blueprints For Life
How to know God's will - Part 2
By Rhonda Jackson

Fans of the old Seinfeld series might remember that, in numerous episodes, perennial loser George Costanza pretended to be an architect. He not only repeated the lie on several occasions but also made up Vandelay Industries, a fictional business where he worked.
Amusing as the notion is (was), it’s also a good reminder of how many of us fancy ourselves architects, too; we sketch our own schemes, plot our own plans, and create road maps for our lives. And then we wonder why they crumble.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Our “Master Builder” – God – laid the foundation for all of creation, and His Son, Jesus Christ, built on this groundwork for our very existence. He literally promises our future. When we toil endless hours at work so we can make more money, devote our time, talent, and treasure to our children, or pore over dating apps looking for the perfect partner but leave God out the equation, we’re not just unfulfilled - we’re doomed to fail.

Fortunately, God’s blueprint for our lives isn’t hidden in the Dead Sea Scrolls or sitting behind bulletproof glass at some museum. His Word – the Holy Bible – contains everything we need to know about life’s details – and more importantly, about Christ Himself. All four of the gospels give us a glance at God’s good plan for the world and for those who inhabit it. Jesus’ sermon in Matthew 5-7 is as relevant today as when He spoke it; Colossians 3 still describes the Christian life, and the Psalms suggest prayers to us when we haven’t the energy to say them…and those are just three examples!

Too many Christians consider The Bible daunting, even scary; perhaps outdated, or irrelevant. Nothing more than rules and don’ts, thees and thou-shalt-nots. But the Word of God is THE blueprint for a well-built vessel – us! – and a well-lived Christian life.

The more we learn about Jesus, the more we know His character, and the closer we get to Jesus, the more we can model Him. Rather than floundering and frustrated with our own plans, we learn to trust Him as the architect of our lives; a God whose love, mercy, grace, and compassion are the specs for our satisfaction!

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into
practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house,
who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the
torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the
one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who
built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck
that house, it collapsed, and its destruction was complete. ~ Luke 6:47-79

Our lives will align with God’s plan when God’s Word becomes the blueprint for the life we’re building!

This post was inspired by the following message.

Plans And Purpose
How to know God's will - Part 1
By Rhonda Jackson

My standard joke about finding my way around is that I was born with no sense of
direction. “It’s so terrible, ha-ha, I’m lucky to find my way downstairs in the
morning to the coffee machine!” but it’s actually worse – bordering on a true
phobia of getting lost. Thank goodness for Skippy, the friendly GPS Guy on my
phone (what, you don’t name yours?) – who not only tells me where to go but
also redirects me if I get lost.

If GPS were a metaphor for life, we’d all love a Skippy steering us –
That guy is bad news! Run!
Don’t take this job, a better one is coming!
Relax, your daughter will be fine – this is just a rough patch.
…even if it sounds a little creepy and intrusive. But what if there really was a GPS
to guide us on the path of life? What if I told you that it was probably in your
home or on your phone?
The Bible: Basic. Information. Before. Leaving. Earth.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you,
saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.” ~ Isaiah 30:21
This isn’t to say that if we stop and listen long enough, we’ll hear the actual voice
of God, giving us directions as though we were mindless robots. But it’s no
coincidence that, 700 years after the prophet Isaiah penned those words, Jesus
Christ makes the directions abundantly clear:
I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life… ~ John 14:6.
We don’t have to be confused about which way. As believers, we follow the
Father. And to really know Him and His will for our lives, we must know His Word.

When we become lost or confused about God’s will for modern man, we find all
our answers in Scripture:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and
not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
When we stand unsteadily, unsure whether to execute Plan A or Plan B, God is
already there with a good plan – His plan.

Skippy the GPS guy may not know of a guidebook to the Christian life, but the
Bible does, in Colossians 3, reminding us to clothe ourselves in compassion and
kindness – and to bear with and forgive one another (vs 12-13); to rid ourselves of
sexual immorality, rage, and malice (vs 5-8); and to let the message of Christ live
in us (vs 16) so that we can lead others to Jesus by being living examples of His life
and love.

And when life beats us down – when we lose our sense of direction, fear our
future and question our purpose; when we cry out to Him and ask, “Which is the
way?” – the Word of God answers with the simplest and most profound answer:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the
world through him. ~ John 3:16-17

Our purpose and God’s will are forever intertwined. He loves the world – and
each of us in it. He formed us in our mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5); He knows our
plans and directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9) and promises to be with us every step
of the way (Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Matthew 28:20, Psalm 73:23)! Good news
indeed, for those of us who are easily lost!

God’s will for your life will be linked to His will for the world.

This post was inspired by the following message.