Because He Loves Us that Much

 “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”  Hebrews 12:14
 
Holiness.  Honestly, I’ve struggled for a long time with the thought of pursuing holiness.  I mean, who am I to even think of myself in such terms.  But our 2026 focus/study on holiness has been a game-changer for me.  Through His living word, God has shown me that holiness is not about a self-righteous me, but holiness is about God and his desire to have a relationship with and be close to us, in spite of our weakness and sin.  (because He loves us that much!)
 
Below is a very brief summary of what He has put on my heart these past few months as I have wrestled with and come to cherish this concept:
   
“He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect.  For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.”  Hebrews 10:9-10
 
God, in His glory, knew that we, as humans, could never be good enough on our own.  So, He chose to give His son and our savior, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for all and for all time.  In doing so, He chose you and me! (because He loves us that much!)
 
“Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.”  Romans 6:19
 
We are no longer slaves to sin but called to live and “do what is right for the glory of God”.  Jesus broke the chains that held us captive to sin!  (because He loves us that much!)
 
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17
 
God has given His living word to you and me to teach, correct, and equip us. (because He loves us that much!)  Do not underestimate the importance or power of daily Spirit-led time in God’s living word.
 
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative--that is, the HolySpirit--he will teach you everything and will remind you of  everything I  have told you.”  John 14:26
 
God has given us His Holy Spirit, who literally dwells in us, to help us, to teach us, to lead us, and to remind us of His teachings through His word!  (because He loves us that much!)
 
God loves you!  He desires a relationship with you, and He wants you to walk closely with Him.  He’s given you salvation and freedom from sin through Jesus, teaching and instruction through His living word, and an advocate, helper, and leader in His Holy Spirit to make it possible.
 
Choose all three, daily!