Are you worthy of God’s love and forgiveness?

I am surprised at the people that don’t think they are. If God was to leave you a note on the kitchen counter this morning it might read something like this: “To my precious child.

I knew you from the beginning. Before I made the world, I knew what you would be like. You are full of challenges, but I love you more than you will ever understand. All the joy I have found watching you are far more important than the difficulties we have been through and shared.

Yes, dear child I say shared because I have been with you through every step you have taken. You may have felt lonely, but you were never alone.

I was with you before the foundations were laid for the earth and I will be with you when they are cast aside for a new beginning. I have always wanted the best for you even when you don’t feel worthy.

I sent your brother Jesus to you so you would know who I AM.

He came as my child and a man. That way you would recognize Him and He could better understand what you have been through. Jesus came with a sword to fight for you and your rights to be happy as my child. You are of royal blood, and he is here right now to rescue you and bring you home.

He is the mightiest warrior ever to live. He will use His sword to hack a path through the jungle and it will lead directly to my kingdom. That is your home because you are an heir to the kingdom alongside your brother Christ.

I know you are running right now but if you will simply stop and listen, I will show you a way through all of the pain and suffering you have been through. You are never alone, and you are my precious child. I have done all of this and more for you. You are worthy of this because of your royal family. It is time you come to me my child and claim what I have set aside for you.

Please come home, I love you.”

You don’t need to be perfect to attend church. You don’t even need to be good.

At Lakeside in Shell Knob, we have a saying “You belong.”

We want you to come in with all your imperfections and problems. Perfect people don’t exist, so we are all just somewhere on the scale.

That means we all need Jesus and love. Your salvation happens in an instant. You are born again according to Jesus. Then over time you learn to love Him and your actions begin to reflect God’s love for everyone. He loves you no matter what; not because of what you feel or have done but despite what you have done.

He loves you because of who He is. At Lakeside Church in Shell Knob, we preach from the bible. We accept you just as you are and are friendly.

Please visit a church this week. If you don’t care for it, try another next week until you find one you are comfortable belonging to.

Al Slavik is the associate/youth pastor at Lakeside Christian Church in Shell Knob and may be reached at lccskyouthmin@gmail.com.