Ephesians 1:9
“He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.”
This is so telling of God's nature, "His kind intention which He purposed in Him (Christ)". God gets a bad rap in many areas. Bad weather is referred to as "Acts of God". While many have heard that, "God loves you". Few live in a manner in which they believe it.
God created a beautiful, wild world which means that living life involves risk. We actually are thrilled with risk. Look at amusement parks and scary movies as some examples. We will push the risk to the edge. Unfortunately people get hurt. While God allows much to happen, it's important to know that His intentions are kind. The Lord teaches us this as we walk with Him. Hebrews 12:6 says that, "He disciplines the one He loves and He chastises every son He receives." While discipline is never enjoyable, it communicates that He's our Father.
We've been adopted through Jesus' sacrifice. Many can't relate to a loving father. As we walk with Him we learn this. Romans 8:15 shares a beautiful part of His crafting us in our born again state, 'For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”' He created us in a manner in which we naturally look to Him. We are drawn to Him.
We know what it's like to be drawn to people in a healthy way. As we are in Christ, we are drawn to God. Just as an infant wants it's mother, so we want the Lord. Our spirits cry out, "Abba! Father!" This is so fulfilling. It's like finding a high that isn't bad for us. His peace, joy and acceptance pushes our life experience to a ten.
I have to admit that some of this is selfish. It's awesome to be at peace and to be in sync with God. As we mature, we grow in gratitude. He asks us to be forgiving and gracious. How can we not? We've been forgiven ourselves. While we think that the transgressions of others are worse, they aren't. We are all guilty in need of a savior.
I see the clubs at school luring members in with offers of free pizza and cookies. They come for the goodies. God does that as well. He offers so much. He is very vulnerable knowing that many will reject His offer. He still reaches out His hand.
Theres another interesting scripture on this topic, "Or do you disregard His kindness, tolerance and patience, not knowing that it's His kindness that leads us to repentance", (Romans 2:4). This is such a different view of God. Many see Him as harsh or a killjoy. Sure He has standards, but they are for our good. It's not just "stay of the grass". His boundaries save us from bondage and hurt.
This is wonderful on so many levels. God is good and the closer we get to Him, the healthier we become. He blesses us for coming to Him. The blessings never end. Some may criticize the motive, "You're going to Him to get something." God doesn't get into those details. He created us to go to Him. If he's worried about bad intentions, He'll work on it. We don't need to concern ourselves about it.
He's also blessed us so that we would follow through in going to Him. God is relational. He thrives on being with people. Look at how He created some of His creatures. Dogs were created to love us. See how excited they are when we get home. We are all blessed by their enthusiastic greetings. The Lord made them to bless us.
He has kind intentions. We will all admit that one day. Romans 14:11 says, "Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess". Unfortunately, some of this isn't done willingly. Some will be pressured to accept it. They know it's right, but they don't want to willingly admit it.
As christians we are to become like Christ. He builds kindness into us. Just like Jesus, we aren't to retaliate, (I Peter 2:23), but to love. This can be a struggle, but He will help us. What's amazing is that we will be freed from our bondage to powerful emotions (hate and revenge). We will reach out our hands just like He does.
When we took His hand the experience was like a scared rabbit eating out of ones hand. There was much apprehension. As soon as the food was gone we were out of there. Then we would return with a little more trust. His patience and continued kindness won us over.
Lord, thank You for Your kindness. You kept reaching out Your hand waiting for us to take it. Thank You for waiting so long and giving us so many chances. Help us to be kind and patient with others.