Always Welcomed

            The other day, a good friend of mine brought up a concern that I think many of us have probably felt at one point or another in our own walks with Christ. She’s someone that has been through so many different things in her life, and is now trying to get into God’s Word and get back to focusing on Him. However, she said when she did sit down and try to simply spend time with God, she couldn’t help but feel like He was unhappy with her for not focusing more on Him.

            I think so often we feel ashamed and even disappointed in ourselves, and that leads us to believe that God is unhappy with is. But really, God celebrates even the tiniest of steps we make towards Him. It reminds me of the story of the lost son in Luke 15. No matter how much time the son spent away from his father, or how much he messed up, the father celebrated and threw a feast immediately upon his return. Even if we’ve been messing up, turning our backs on God, and not pursuing Him like we should, God still celebrates when we return our focus to Him.

“The son said to his father, "'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is now alive again; he was lost and now is found.’” –Luke 15:21-24

When we come back to Christ, He celebrates. When we’ve been lost, and by the grace of God can make our way back to Him, He celebrates. Even though in our sin we feel guilt and shame away from God, there is no reason to feel that shame when we return to Him. God isn’t shaming us when out of nowhere we dig into His Word. He isn’t saying it’s pointless. He isn’t scolding us for our past. I believe that instead He is celebrating that one of His children has returned to His Word. Don’t let shame, guilt, or feelings of unworthiness ever keep you from returning home to God’s embrace. God loves as you are, and wants you as you are—no matter how much you’ve distanced yourself from Him, ignored Him, or turned away from Him. We are always welcomed back into the arms of Christ.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” –Ephesians 2:13