John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
I recall several conversations I had with a self-proclaimed atheist. He had done much research and knew perhaps more than I did from the Bible. But he could not believe. I wondered how someone so knowledgeable could not believe what was so obvious to me. My last conversation with him revealed much to me. He questioned my belief of Jesus taking our sin and suffering for us. He observed our sinful nature and concluded that every time we sinned, we were crucifying Jesus over and over again. I agree, every time I sin, Jesus takes my place for my punishment. My sin is placing Jesus on the cross. His mind could not understand why someone would willingly do this. But it is in dying to sin that I can experience rebirth, renewal. It is in the resurrection that I can know true joy and unconditional love. What was lacking in my friend was the under-standing of unconditional love. That is the Easter story. That is the gospel. My friend is right. Why would Jesus be willing to do this for me, a sinner? It is only through his amazing incredible unbelievable love that he gives. That’s my Jesus.
Do I take for granted the unconditional love that Jesus poured out for me on the cross? Do I realize when I sin, I not only hurt myself, others around me, but also hurt my Savior? My Jesus, make my life reflect your unconditional love for me and for others. I want to live a resurrected life that is ongoing. A life that exudes joy and love that only comes from you every day.