I was reading my Bible this morning and I came across this; these notes come from the footnotes in my Bible, and I wanted to share them with you, “Knowing that we are made in God’s image and thus share many of His characteristics, provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human worth is not defined by possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness or public acclaim instead it comes from being made in God’s image. Because we are like God we can feel positive about ourselves. Knowing that you are a person of infinite worth gives you the freedom to love God, know Him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.”
These words should be very encouraging to all who read them. God loved us so much He made us into His own image and likeness. One of the differences is that He never sinned nor can He even be tempted by sin. We are born with a choice, we can choose to sin or not, and we all know the Bible says, “that all have sinned and fell short of God’s glory.” We can be tempted, and we are, but the temptation is not sin and we don’t have to yield to it, but we all have. The reason I say we don’t have to sin is that the Word says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful who will not subject you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
We are all born with the tendency to sin, what many call a ‘sin nature,’ but the good news is this; God doesn’t want us to live in this sinful state forever so He provided not only a way to escape temptation but also a way of being set free from being a slave to sin. Anyone that has been around a while knows that we have a tendency to rebel against the Lord and do our own thing and go our own way. Seeing that God knows all things and He loved us so much, He provided a way before the beginning of time that would bring about the justification and the forgiveness of our sins and put us into a right standing with Him. The plan God had before time would be completed in Christ Jesus, His son, Praise the Lord.
This plan would be accomplished through much suffering and pain on Jesus’ part. Jesus would suffer many things then be crucified, die and be buried. The Bible says this in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down His life for a friend.” This is exactly what Jesus did for us because He loved us so much and not only for us but also for His enemies. The Word says in Matthew 18:10-14, “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
Seeing that you know these truths and how much the Lord loves you, everyone reading this should be encouraged, the Lord didn’t make us into His image and likeness for nothing, His plan was to have an intimate relationship with us, praise His holy Name. So don’t go away discouraged because of what people may say about you, believe the Word of God and start praising Him for His goodness and His love.
If you are reading this and don’t know the Lord in a personal way, you can. If you feel His conviction over your sins tell Him you are sorry and ask Him to forgive you and to be Lord of your life. And if you are sincere He will forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness and you will be set free, praise the Lord. Then start reading the Word of God and start growing in your faith, find a church where you can hear the Word and be encouraged to live a faithful Christian life.
May God bless you and yours and have a great day!!
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