"You are worthy of love even if you don’t deserve it" was the more diplomatic way I shared my Christian hot-take during service. I know, my statement doesn’t sound like it makes any sense so allow me to explain. But first, some context: I heard an adult tell a room full of kids at VBS the previous week that “we don’t deserve God’s love.” It was even in one of the VBS songs, "even though I don't deserve it..." This idea didn’t sit right with me. But why? Is it wrong?

We have all heard that “God is love” and that “God so loved the world…” (John 4:16; John 3:16). We have also heard that we are God’s children (Galatians 3:26). I can visualize you shaking your head and saying, “yeah, yeah, yeah…” Somehow, I think that many Christians have gotten the idea that because of Jesus God has to love you. But that can’t be further from the truth! John 16:27 says, “for the Father himself loves you dearly” (NLT). Jesus said, “the Father HIMSELF” to em