But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.

The Gospel is the deepest consolation you can offer to the human heart.

The very fact that we have access to God's attention and presence should concentrate the thoughts and elevate the heart.

A life of gratitude to God for being saved is far more pleasing than a life based on self-righteousness over being good.

For indeed, grace is the key to it all. It is not our lavish good deeds that procure salvation, but God's lavish love and mercy. That is why the poor are as acceptable before God as the rich. It is the generosity of God, the freeness of his salvation, that lays the foundation for the society of justice for all. Even in the seemingly boring rules and regulations of tabernacle rituals, we see that God cares about the poor, that his laws make provision for the disadvantaged. God's concern for justice permeated every part of Israel's life. It should also permeate our lives.

At the cross, we see the worst that sin can do, as humanity - of which each one of us is a part - crucified the Lord. But at the cross, we also see that the most that sin can do cannot thwart God's salvation.

If your god never disagrees with you, you might just be worshipping an idealized version of yourself.