I wonder what goes through your mind whenever you think of God. What mental image do you have of Him? Do you think He is a strict policeman, just waiting to punish you if you get out of line? Or a harsh judge, gleefully waiting to pass sentence on you if you do even one thing wrong?

I don’t know your answer, of course — but from what you say, I suspect you think God must be like this. But listen: This isn’t what the Bible says! The Bible tells us that God is our gracious heavenly Father, who loves us and wants us to spend all eternity with Him in heaven. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son into the world to give His life for our salvation. The Bible says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Would God have done this if He hated you or wanted to condemn you? Absolutely not! We are separated from God because of our sins, and apart from Him we have no hope of eternal life. But Christ came to take away our sins, and when we put our faith and trust in Him, He fully forgives us.

Don’t be filled with fear or doubt any longer. Instead, by a simple prayer of faith give your life to Christ and trust Him alone for your salvation.