You’re right about one thing: Some of Jesus’ strongest statements were directed at people who claimed to believe in God but didn’t act like it — in other words, hypocrites. He said, “Woe to you… you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25).

But you’re wrong when you say that God must hate you — because He doesn’t! It’s true that God hates our sin — but He still loves the sinner, and He yearns to forgive us and welcome us into His family. After all, if God didn’t love us, why did He send His Son into the world to give His life for us? The Bible says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Think of it this way: If God didn’t love us unless we were perfect, then He’d never love anyone — because none of us is perfect. But God loves us just as we are, and Christ welcomes us just as we are. Do you believe this? Thank God for His grace and mercy, and by faith ask Christ to come into your life to cleanse and forgive you.

Then ask God to help you live the way you should. You can’t do it on your own — but with God’s help you can. Don’t give in to defeat, but focus on God and His love for you every day. Your life will never be the same.