Happy Tuesday to you!
Many people view the Bible as a book of outdated statutes and commands. They think the book is a weapon used to condemn people and obstruct liberty. There are people who want its scriptures abolished--inaccessible for public consumption. Nevertheless, the Bible an awesome love story. It's a love story that everyone should have access to. It's a love story for all peoples of all generations. When I study its contents, from Old Testament to New Testament, I identify a loving God pleading with a rebellious people.
I discover a God who knows the freedom of love and justice--a God who knows the death and destruction that results from hatred and injustice. I learn of a God who hates violence, bribery, perversion, idolatry, unforgiveness, greed, and covetousness. I learn of a God who relishes in compassion, healing, reconciliation, and steadfast love. His wrath only surfaces when we mistreat our fellow human beings (as well as ourselves)--thereby mistreating Him. He takes it personally when we degrade and destroy all facets of His creation. He rewards the righteous. He always reminds us that the greatest commandment is to love-first, God...then each other.
By the way, He always demonstrates love toward us. For this reason, we can never be confused about what love is and what love is not. God is long-suffering, patient, accessible, merciful, gracious, all-knowing, all-powerful. He willingly teaches us the right way and grants us time to improve. Most importantly, He never forces us to choose Him. In fact, He gives us to our own devices if that's the way we choose to go. Declaring from the beginning that there are two options-life and death.
Many people will tell you that this is a lie. They will tell you that this God does not exist. They will try to enslave your minds with false doctrines and trivial concerns. They will tell you that sin is freedom and that its consequences are non-existent. In the end, you'll find the truth of it all. Yet, God has told you the truth before the end. Thus, if you choose to know the truth, you can discover it in this moment.