My LifeGroup is currently reading, “The Ragamuffin Gospel” by Brennan Manning. The following comes from our latest chapter.

“Living by grace inspires a growing consciousness that I am what I am in the sight of Jesus and nothing more. It is His approval that counts. Making our home in Jesus, as He makes His in us, leads to creative listening: Has it crossed your mind that I am proud you accepted the gift of faith I offered you? Proud that you freely choose Me, after I had chosen you, as your friend and Lord? Proud that, with all your warts and wrinkles, you haven’t given up? Proud that you believe in Me enough to try again and again? Are you aware how I appreciate you for wanting Me? I want you to know how grateful I am when you pause to smile and comfort a child who has lost her way. I am grateful for the hours you devote to learning more about Me; for the word of encouragement you passed to your burnt-out pastor; for your visit to the shut-in; for your tears for the retarded. What you do for them, you did to Me. Alas, I am sad when you do not believe that I have forgiven you or you feel uncomfortable approaching Me.”

Let that sink in.