Is God our friend? When I was young, I would have quickly but firmly said no. I was scared of God then. God, the punisher, was “making a list, checking it twice and going to find out if I was naughty or nice.” There would be a big price to pay if the scale tipped to naughty. Was Jesus my friend? I was supposed to answer “yes,” but Jesus was a little too holy and unreal to confide in and embrace.
Over the years, I have been changed by my experiences with God. Grace has happened when I least expected it. It’s as if the Holy Spirit has written the Good News on my heart with a permanent marker. Friends far and near have blessed me with their awareness that God cares deeply and unfailingly for the entire universe. Scripture continues to awe and inspire me. My heart overflows with love for God, our friend – not our punisher.
This message is excerpted from “You’ve got a friend” by Susie Gamelin in the March 2019 Gather magazine.
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