Originally posted on 1/5/15

No one likes being put into categories. I don’t want to be known as a bigot. Most folks don’t want to be known as selfish, narrow minded or unyielding. We cringe at being associated with negative traits.

On the other hand, how many of us would like to be known as benefactors – patrons of the arts – rich – compassionate, kind and loving? The positive shoes are much easier for us to slip into.

In a way it would be nice if we carried labels telling others what’s going on in our heads. It would be easier for us to show compassion to those who are hurting. If we could look inside someone’s soul and know they are suffering from addiction, abuse, fear, desperation, hopelessness, anger, hatred – we might be able to offer a solution. But who wants to be tagged with negativity for the rest of their lives?

The only one who truly knows who we are and what we need is God. He knows that all of us deserve punishment for the lives we lead. He knows that sin changed our relationship with Him. He knows that we are imperfect. In spite of His infinite knowledge, He loves us just as we are. He loves us because we are His workmanship. He loves us because His Son took away the label of sin from our heads and washed us clean. Now we can proudly wear the titles FORGIVEN – CHILD OF GOD – CHRISTIAN without fear. We have been redeemed by God alone.