Why?

I think the only way for me to understand is in the light of faith. I mean if I think about it, didn't Jesus do the same for us? I didn't know Him until I was in sec three...and in those first few weeks of new-found belief, and slightly before that, I have already learnt and experienced the self-sacrificial and all-encompassing love of God. And even now, the blessings and favor of God are things I cannot even begin to comprehend. How can the Lord Almighty, the Creator of Heaven, Earth, and Life love me of all people, so deeply? Who am I that He has taken the time and effort to reach out to me? Who am I that He gave His only beloved son, His perfect son to die for me? I really don't know anything except that I don't deserve any of this love. But He reminds me that this is the beauty of Grace. Grace is something given to us when we don't deserve it, Grace cannot be earned.

God will not love me less or more by anything I can do or say. He will not love me more if I go on the treadmill at least three times a week. He will not love me less if I ultimately wake up late and skip the exercise. He will not love me more if I receive all As and A+s in school(Sure, He will be joyful along with me, but He won't suddenly become more proud of me as His child). He will not love me less if my grades slip a little(He will definitely not compare me with others, or even to the past grades I have gotten).

He knows every single thing that has happened and will happen in my life, and yet He still chose to send His son to the cross. Why? Simply because He is God and God is Love. He didn't want us to bear the punishment for our wrong-doings, He is a just God, and hence He gave up His son so that Jesus can pay the price for us.

Salvation is always depicted as a free gift. But you know what? It's only free for US(Us, not United States of America;)). God had to pay the price, a tremendous price. And Jesus had to bear the cost. The cost of sin, in order that we might have freedom.

And this is precisely the reason why we evangelize. I mean we can receive this gift and be joyful on our own. Why the extra need to go out and tell people about Jesus right? And end up being rejected 9 out of 10 times...It's awkward at times to ask my close friends to church, it is painful even when they try to give a a reason why they don't feel like coming to church. But I still want to try. Because of love. You may not believe in it, but because I believe in it, I have to do whatever it takes to tell you about it. And if Jesus can put up with the scornings of the people who He has created, if He can endure the whippings those soldiers gave Him, then I think He will help me to deal with the small set-backs in my life.

I pray that one day, all who know me, will be able to see me for who I really am. Nowadays, whenever I go to church, I can't help but think how wonderful it will be if my loved ones can experience this joy with me. In any case, I will keep on believing.

We cry out Your name, our God of Grace.