Have you ever wondered how God looks at you after you sin? Maybe you even wonder why God hates sin. The following story illustrates how God can hate sin and love us even after we mess up.
My husband Larry joined Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) out of university. Ken was Larry’s housemate and trainer. Both men married the same year, and our daughters were born the same week.
Ken was a talented worship leader and gifted Bible teacher. Those who knew Ken saw his winsome spirit. Those who met him for the first time noticed his distorted physical frame.
Polio snatched the life of Ken’s sister when she was a baby. It twisted and dwarfed Ken’s body. Ken’s brothers were large men. But Ken bought his shirts in the boy’s department. I never heard him complain, but the crippling effects of polio haunted him his whole life and played a role in his early death.
If we could ask Ken’s father what he thought of polio, how do you think he would answer? I’m sure he’d say, “I hate polio! It took the life of my only daughter and crippled my son. I hate polio!”
But what if we asked him what he thought of Ken? He’d smile. “I love Ken. He’s my son. I love my son!”
God is our Father and knows better than anyone how sin cripples and kills its victims. He hates sin. But God loves His children!
God is our Father and knows better than anyone how sin cripples and kills its victims. He hates sin. But God loves His children! #RefreshingFaith, #Forgiven Share on X
Jesus went to great expense to provide a remedy for sin.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Rom. 5:8 NLT).
The next time you struggle to forgive yourself—or someone else—remember Ken. God hates sin, but He loves you with a perfect Father’s love.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:12-13 NIV).
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Blessings,
Adapted from Give Yourself a Break.
*The Give Yourself a Break paperback covers ten areas that rob our soul rest. If you prefer ebooks, the five Give Yourself a Break ebooks cover two topics in each ebook.
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#InspireMeMonday, #InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory and here #Recharge Wednesday, #Grace&Truth,
Thank you for this inspiring message. 🙂
Thank you, Melissa!
Thank you for a beautiful illustration Debbie. I always think of God as Father and how I feel about my children – regardless of what they do – a parent’s heart is always inclined to love.
Ann, I’m so glad God gives us that picture of His protective love. Thank you.
We don’t feel lovable when we realize our sin. He loves us still.
I’m so glad He can separate the difference between the child and the sin.
This is a good example using polio, Debbie. We all can learn more about how to truly love each person individually, despite the circumstances and choices that have influenced their life.
Good application, Linda.
Debbie, what a precious story of Ken. Yes, Ken’s father would certainly love his son no matter what he looked like, inside or out. That is a fine reminder for me when I forget how God loves and sees me. So grateful for my Creator. Polio was a disease in my youth and knew several kids who used a crutch (or crutches) to walk with. I recall taking a sugar-cube with the new vaccine in it for the first time…and subsequent times. I was in early elementary school then. I have known one adult who survived polio but is having post-polio side effects now as he ages. And God loves him now too!Thanks for a sweet reminder of all that God is and does.
Thank you, Linda. Our Father is amazing! I remember those sugar cubes too. 🙂
What a perfect analogy Ms. Debbie. I sometimes think of my nephew “Michelle”. While I love them dearly, and would gladly die for this sweet, gentle soul, I can’t help but lament their life choices. Still, it is NOT my job to condemn or speak against them. My job, and the job of every Christian is to love those unsaved with God’s love. I’ve often said, “If I don’t show them Christ’s love in me, then what good is it to either me or God?” An old saying is that “Christians may be the only Bible some ever see.” That always begs the question of what do others see in me. And if I’m honest, I don’t always like what my reflection tells me. God’s blessings for this inspiring message ma’am. You make me desire to remember who I represent; and it ain’t myself!
J.D., I believe your lament is prompted by the Holy Spirit’s grief. He sees the pain and destruction wrong choices bring. As you’ve said, may we always reflect our Father’s heart. Thank you for sharing.
This is such an apt illustration of how God loves us but hates sin. His hatred of sin is not just a matter of His preferences, but He knows how destructive it is. He went through so much to rescue us from sin. I’m so thankful.
And this reminds me to look past the sin of others to their inmost need, the need that they may not even be aware of themselves. Even when I do that, I tend to hold back because I tell myself they don’t want to hear the gospel, to be told they are sinners. But we can’t be cured and cleansed if we don’t first acknowledge we’ve got a problem.
Barbara, I love how you connect this to our need to help others find the cure for sin in Jesus!
What a wonderful example of Ken’s life mirrors God’s love for us.
Loved the illustration with Ken and Polio. I see Linda loved it too>
He was such a special guy. Great to hear from you.
Amen, Debbie. What a great example of how God separates sin from the sinner. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Barbara.
This is a startling and vivid illustration of sin’s crippling work and God’s steadfast love!
Thank you, Michele.
A wonderful analogy and a beautiful story to remind us how much our Father loves us. We are so blessed that He never gives up on us because we do sin and fall short. He helps us up, dusts us off, and says, “Go, you can do better!” And we keep trying.
Yes. Thanks, Katherine.
Debbie, I absolutely love this.
Thank you, Paula. Ken was such a wonderful man. His life demonstrated God’s grace in many ways.
Your illustration was perfect, Debbie. It’s one that will stick with me. Thank you!
Thank you, Annie!