God hates me.

Have you ever wrestled with that ugly thought? I have. On tough days when my special needs child cries out in frustration, a loved one dies, or when I broke my arm on Christmas morning. Does God hate me? Let’s explore what God’s Word says.

Goodwill

At the birth of Jesus, a cosmic shift started as God began offering goodwill toward all men. One Biblical definition of goodwill is ‘God is pleased.’ Other synonyms of goodwill are kindness, favor, blessing, and benevolence. It seems we can swap out goodwill for grace, “And on earth peace, goodwill (grace) toward men.” (emphasis mine). In this instance, grace fits perfectly.

As the star of Bethlehem illuminated baby Jesus, God flipped the grace switch on. The angry God of the Old Testament was transforming into Abba, Our Father. Before the cross, God would work through a few chosen people and prophets.

Because Jesus dealt with our sin at the cross, Father God could now pursue a personal relationship with each one of us. After all, Isaiah’s called Jesus, Emanuel, God is with us.

Also, through Jesus’ death, the Holy Spirit, our comforter, is now available to each one of us.

That certainly doesn’t sound like God hates us. In fact, God said He will never leave you or forsake you. But God gave us another gift that night Jesus was born.

Peace

Besides the exceptional gift of goodwill, God gave us an additional present, peace on earth. But again this peace is between us and God, since it doesn’t seem fighting will ever end on earth. Even Jesus stated there will be wars and rumors of wars. So what peace are the angels talking about? Below are just a few of the peace scripture regarding Jesus.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 NKJV

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

“By faith, we have been made acceptable to God. And now, thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, we have peace with God.” Romans 5:1 CEV

The above scriptures show Jesus is our ultimate peace. The world is not capable of delivering inner peace. Even if everything may be going right in your life, you still might not find peace. And that’s because everlasting peace is keeping your heart and mind fixed on Jesus. By accepting God’s gift of salvation through Jesus, you are unwrapping the forever gift of peace with God.

God Hates Me?

I admit I had a pity party after tripping on my son’s new remote-control truck. Hidden tears slipped down my cheeks as I prepared Christmas dinner for thirty with a broken arm. Hours later, sitting in the crowded emergency room, I realized, no matter the trials of tribulations of life, God doesn’t hate me. It’s quite the opposite. God loved me enough to give me His only Son.

God doesn’t hate us.

He loves you.

Accept the gift and keep re-gifting by telling others about Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14 NKJV