A Free Gift

Gary’s response toward me, the very person who caused him indescribable pain and loss, has served as a vivid reminder of how Jesus Christ endured all of that physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering on the cross — and yet His first concern is always for us, those who nailed Him there.

If one human being can love another so unconditionally, can you imagine how much more our Heavenly Father must love you? It simply does not matter how careless you have been or how heinous of a crime you have committed. In fact, there is nothing you could ever do to make God love you any less, nor anything you could ever do to make God love you any more than He already does. You do not have to wait until you get your spiritual act together. He is ready to receive you now, without a trial and without condemnation. Nor do you have to do anything special to earn His grace and mercy. It is a free gift. All you have to do is believe it and receive it.

If you have never accepted the love of Christ into your heart and

surrendered your life to Him, I encourage you to do so today by praying the following prayer.

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and need You. I believe Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead so that I can know You and have eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins. I accept Your gift of eternal life and choose to follow You as Lord. Thank You for giving me a new life in Christ. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, please let the editorial staff of ParentLife know by writing to: One Life Way Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0172; or e-mail parentlife@lifeway.com. If you would like to talk with someone about how to have a new life in Christ, call toll-free (888) 537-8720. 

further Reading from Shannon Ethridge

Shannon Ethridge is a best-selling author, popular speaker, and advocate for sexual integrity, sexual intimacy, and intimacy with Christ. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and human relations from Liberty University and speaks frequently to both youth and adult audiences. She and her husband, Greg, live with their two children in a log cabin in East Texas.

• The Loving Jesus Without Limits series, including the lead book Completely His and four 30-day devotionals entitled Completely Loved, Completely Forgiven, Completely Blessed, and Completely Irresistible (WaterBrook Press, 2007)

• The Every Woman series (WaterBrook Press), including Every Woman’s Battle (2003), Every Young Woman’s Battle (2004), Preparing Your Daughter for Every Woman’s Battle (2005), and Every Woman’s Marriage (2006)

• Learn more about Shannon Ethridge’s ministry, speaking, and books at www.shannonethridge.com.

24 PARENTLIFE MARCH 2008