God's all-embracing, transforming love

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (Romans 12:2).

You might be a rebel; maybe you can’t stand it when other people try to tell you what to do or how to live your life. In spite of that, Jesus loves you and invites you to become part of His family, the brotherhood of all believers. But Jesus also expects something of you—He expects you to love Him with your whole heart, love Him more than yourself and your own agenda. Jesus wants you to follow Him, leaving behind your old ways and embracing God’s perfect design for life. He wants you to see that by showing respect to others, you are demonstrating that you love them and value their influence in your life.

Or, you might be prejudiced; maybe you can’t bring yourself to speak politely with a person of a different color, religion, or lifestyle. In spite of that, Jesus loves you and invites you to join His family. But the Lord expects you to set aside any hatred you may feel for others and treat them lovingly, just as Jesus reaches out to you in love.

Perhaps you are gay; you may feel attraction for people who share your gender or even be in a homosexual relationship. In spite of that, Jesus loves you and calls you to join the community that follows Him. However, Jesus wants you to acknowledge His design for human sexuality and turn your back on same-sex romantic relationships.

It could be that you are an habitual offender; you might have had several run-ins with the law and are unfraid to do what it takes to get what you want. Jesus loves you anyway, and opens His arms to welcome you. The Lord is willing to forgive you for your past, but He does call on you to turn your back on crime and seek to make an honest living from this day forward.

Or maybe you are addicted—to gambling, to alcohol, to drugs, to blowing money foolishly as soon as you get your hands on some. Regardless, Jesus loves you and invites you to come to Him for rest. Nevertheless, the Son of God looks for a change in your behavior, that instead of constantly pleasuring your body, you start to think about how you can use your resources to serve God and the community of Christians instead.

Jesus loves everyone just as they are, warts and all. But our Lord does not embrace your sins—He died to forgive them so that you can live a life that is free of their destructive influence. Jesus loves you too much to let you remain as you are, soiled by sin.