Living in God's Forgiveness

What is it about 'Jesus' revelation' (see last post) that is so beautiful, that could make one fall in love with him?

The core message of the bible, says Danaher, is God's mercy and forgiveness. We are all great sinners, thinks Danaher, and our chief sin is our forgetfulness of God. It's consequences are the sins we know so well, the behaviors that actively take us out of God's presence. The beauty of the Christian message is that God so loves us, so wants our re-unification with him, that he will forgive our slights, our sins. Unlike a human lover, God overlooks our sins, as Christ forgave those who crucified him, in order to "get us back." He is the Father, running out to meet his prodigal son, so happy he is returning, so full of joy.

This quality, says Danaher, is truly "super human." We are not capable of it, or are, slightly, with the grace of God. But the good news is that this grace is accessible in a God who loves and wants us, who values and cares for us, who invites us and caresses us with his compassion and mercy.

We find this God through prayer, which is but another word for the presence of God. God wants so much more of us than "good behavior." He wants that, but he wants us, wants to be with us, because he loves us more than any human could love another.

To bask in God's love, Jesus' love, is what life is all about, for it is falling in love with a God who loves us more than anything we do wrong. All of our human loves, imperfect as they are, are an arrow pointing us to the perfect love that is ours by right, through the wonder of being God's children. We find it by turning back to God's presence, in prayer, and receiving ourself, and every other good thing, in his gentle and perfect gift of love.

Listen to "I Don't Know How to Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar

Listen to U2 "Grace"

Listen to U2 "Beautiful Day"

Listen to "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" REO Speedwagon

Listen to "Keep on Lovin You" REO Speedwagon

Listen to "Come Sail Away" Styx

Listen to "Carry on My Wayward Son" Kansas

Listen to "Livin on a Prayer" Bon Jovi